An accused Venezuelan gang member taken into custody during an ICE sweep in the Bronx was a fugitive wanted for his role in a deadly takeover of a Colorado apartment complex that grabbed nationwide attention during the presidential election, new court documents show.
Authorities in Arapahoe County, Colo. The footage showed Pacheco as one of several men storming the residence, prompting multiple charges β including burglary and menacing; by Oct. Around 6 a. He is a suspected member of the Tren de Aragua gang, which has established a substantial foothold in the United States, including in New York, according to court filings.
Officers also seized two cellphones from the room, one of which rang when they dialed it. After his arrest, Zambrano-Pacheco told law enforcement he had fled Colorado when he learned he was a suspect in the home invasion. He also acknowledged other individuals involved in the crime had been arrested in New York City, but denied any knowledge of the firearm found in the apartment.
Wearing a black sweatsuit, he sat silently through most of the proceedings, responding via a Spanish interpreter only to questions about his understanding of the court proceedings. He is facing federal charges for possession of a firearm and ammunition while being a fugitive from justice. The Trump administration has vowed to deport any undocumented individuals with a criminal past. But during a White House press briefing this week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt boldly asserted that under the Trump administration, all undocumented immigrants are considered criminals.
Under federal law, being undocumented is a civil violation β not a criminal offense β and individuals are not necessarily convicted of a crime unless they are involved in criminal activity beyond their immigration status. The arrest occurred at approximately p. A man that was living a double life is now behind bars after being convicted of raping two women and has been accused of a third.
