The U.S. Treasury said on Thursday it has sanctioned the top leaders of Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua for being involved in criminal activities including illicit drug trade, human trafficking and money laundering.

The U.S. Treasury sanctioned six leaders and affiliates of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, including the head of the group, known by the alias "Niño Guerrero."

The group has been linked to human trafficking networks that move migrants north through Central America and Mexico, with stops in border cities like Tapachula and Tijuana - and eventual arrivals in U.