A Venezuelan migrant is in custody in Arizona after authorities say he terrorized residents in a Maricopa neighborhood, threatening neighbors with weapons and demanding money while claiming the area as his own. The suspect, 27-year-old Javier Enrique Erazo-Zuniga, is being held at the Pinal County Jail on a $250,000 secured bond and faces multiple felony charges, including terrorism.
According to law enforcement, Erazo-Zuniga allegedly put one neighbor in a headlock and held a knife to the victim’s neck, causing injury. In another incident, he reportedly stood on a neighbor’s driveway and held the resident at gunpoint. Investigators served a search warrant at his home and located a firearm believed to have been used during the altercation.
Authorities say Erazo-Zuniga faces charges of aggravated assault involving a firearm, forgery, and misconduct involving weapons. He is also charged with assisting a criminal street gang and terrorism, and more charges may be filed at the federal level. Investigators believe additional victims may exist but fear retaliation, leading some to remain silent.
The arrest comes amid growing concern over migrant-related crime and gang influence, particularly with foreign nationals linked to violent organizations. In recent years, Venezuelan gangs such as Tren de Aragua have been implicated in crimes ranging from robbery and extortion to murder and terrorism. The Trump administration designated Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year, citing its transnational reach and threats to public safety.
In 2025, a Venezuelan social media influencer encouraged illegal migrants to occupy American homes. This followed numerous high-profile arrests and incidents involving illegal alien gang members nationwide. During President Trump’s first year back in office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported 7,000 illegal alien gang member arrests, including violent offenders.
The case in Maricopa has raised fresh alarms over border security, criminal infiltration, and the dangers posed by violent migrants exploiting the system. As authorities continue to investigate, law enforcement presence has increased in the area to ensure community safety.
