By A female member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang has been arrested for allegedly running a brutal sex trafficking operation in El Paso, according to a leaked Border Patrol memo.
Estefania Primera, known by the street name “La Barbie,” was apprehended on September 27 outside Sacred Heart Church, which serves newly arrived migrants. Primera, a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. illegally in August 2023, is accused of operating a prostitution ring out of the local Gateway Hotel.
The heavily tattooed woman allegedly drugged and exploited victims, with one woman reporting she was rendered unconscious and gang-raped. Court documents state the victim suffered severe injuries and was forcibly returned to the hotel when she attempted to escape.
Primera, who showcases her extensive tattoos on a TikTok account under the name “barbie underground official,” is also accused of using her five young children as drug mules.
Authorities shut down the Gateway Hotel following numerous complaints about criminal activity. The Tren de Aragua gang, originating from Venezuela, has reportedly expanded its operations across the United States, engaging in gun smuggling, shootings, drug trafficking, and forced prostitution.
Law enforcement sources indicate the gang is active in at least eight states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. Gang members often exploit migrants to repay smuggling debts through criminal activities.
Primera initially crossed the border with family members and was released under electronic monitoring by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She allegedly removed the ankle monitor within weeks of her release.
The presence of Tren de Aragua has raised concerns among local residents, with one individual reporting feeling unsafe in their neighborhood and noting an increase in theft.
Primera is currently held in an El Paso jail on a $200,000 bond.
