Chilean President Gabriel Boric has publicly accused Venezuela’s socialist government of orchestrating a political assassination on Chilean soil. This accusation, made in October 2025, links the Maduro regime to the February 2024 killing of Venezuelan dissident Ronald Ojeda in Santiago. The incident highlights concerns about the use of transnational criminal gangs to target dissidents globally.
Story Highlights
- Accusation: Chilean President Gabriel Boric linked Nicolás Maduro’s regime to the February 2024 assassination of Venezuelan dissident Ronald Ojeda.
- Investigation: Chilean prosecutors concluded the killing was state-ordered and carried out by the transnational gang Tren de Aragua.
- Diplomatic Impact: Boric’s condemnation marks a departure from traditional leftist alliances in Latin America.
- International Involvement: The International Criminal Court has been briefed on the case, and Chile is pursuing extraditions and has expelled Venezuelan diplomats.
Details of the Incident
Ronald Ojeda, a former Venezuelan army lieutenant who had been granted political asylum in Chile in 2023 after fleeing Venezuela in 2017, was abducted from his Santiago home on February 21, 2024, by individuals disguised as police. His body was later discovered encased in concrete. Chilean prosecutors have stated that Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello ordered the assassination, which was executed by operatives of Tren de Aragua. This operation is described as involving meticulous planning and international coordination.
🌐 #Chile | El presidente de izquierda chileno Gabriel Boric acusó al régimen de Nicolás Maduro de estar detrás del asesinato del exmilitar venezolano Ronald Ojeda en Santiago. Alertó sobre el avance de dictaduras como las de Venezuela y Nicaragua.
— El Dato Internacional (@ElDatoIntern) October 15, 2025
Role of Tren de Aragua
The involvement of Tren de Aragua suggests a connection between the Maduro regime and criminal organizations. This Venezuelan gang is reported to have expanded its operations throughout Latin America and into the United States. The Human Rights Foundation has expressed concerns that the Maduro regime is utilizing this gang for transnational crimes against dissidents outside Venezuela. Chilean authorities have arrested 19 suspects in connection with the murder, with additional arrests in Colombia and the United States. Chile is seeking the extradition of suspects, including from Venezuela, though the Maduro regime has denied involvement and suggested a false-flag operation.
Diplomatic and International Repercussions
In response to Venezuela’s denials, Chile has expelled Venezuelan diplomats and severed consular ties. Chilean prosecutors have presented their findings to the International Criminal Court, adding this case to existing evidence against the Maduro regime. This action is expected to increase international scrutiny of Venezuela’s tactics regarding transnational repression.
Implications for Immigration and Security
The assassination has raised questions regarding immigration policy and national security, particularly concerning the operations of Tren de Aragua within the United States. Concerns have been voiced about the potential for Venezuelan criminal networks to establish a presence in American cities. Discussions around border security and the dismantling of transnational criminal organizations have intensified in light of this case.
Watch: Chile Shares Evidence with ICC on Venezuelan Dissident’s Killed | NewsX World
Sources:
Leftist President of Chile Links Venezuela to Assassination of Dissident in His Country: ‘Dictatorships Cross Borders’
The communist Boric directly linked dictator Nicolás Maduro to the murder of Ronald Ojeda in Chile.
