The US Dept of Homeland Security announced today that it has identified more than 600 persons whom have ties to the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua, and at least 100 of these persons were deemed “confirmed” gang members whom DHS recommended be placed on the FBI watchlist. According to DHS reports, this gang has a presence in at least 15 US states, and possibly as many as 25.
To further complicate matters, Venezuela does not share criminal histories or other information with US officials, making it increasingly difficult for Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers to do their work. This organization recently made the news in Aurora, CO when they took over an apartment complex known for housing Venezuelan immigrants.
Tren de Aragua is a powerful Venezuelan criminal organization that originated in the Aragua state of Venezuela. It began as a prison gang in the early 2000s and has since grown into a transnational criminal syndicate involved in a variety of illegal activities, both inside Venezuela and internationally. The group’s name, “Tren de Aragua,” translates to “Train of Aragua,” referring to its territorial origins.
Key Activities:
- Drug trafficking: One of the gang’s main sources of income is the drug trade, especially across Venezuela and neighboring countries.
- Extortion and kidnapping: The group is notorious for extorting businesses and individuals, as well as being involved in kidnapping for ransom.
- Human trafficking: Tren de Aragua is deeply involved in human smuggling and trafficking, particularly in regions like Colombia and Brazil.
- Illegal mining: They are involved in illegal gold mining operations in Venezuela’s southern region, exploiting workers and controlling the flow of resources.
Expansion and Influence:
- International Reach: Although the gang originated in Venezuela, Tren de Aragua has expanded its operations beyond national borders, particularly in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and even parts of Chile. This growth has been fueled by Venezuela’s political and economic crisis, which has pushed many people, including gang members, into neighboring countries.
- Prison Control: The group maintains significant control inside Venezuela’s prisons, where it enforces its rule and recruits members. It wields considerable power over prison operations, often working with corrupt officials.
Leadership and Structure:
- The gang is reportedly led by Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as “El Niño Guerrero”. Under his leadership, the gang has evolved from a prison-based group into one of the most notorious organized crime syndicates in Latin America. The Venezuelan government has made attempts to crack down on the gang, but Tren de Aragua has shown resilience. As of 2024, the group continues to maintain its influence over illicit economies in Venezuela and neighboring countries.
Tren de Aragua’s growing influence is part of a broader trend of transnational organized crime in Latin America, where criminal groups exploit political instability, weak law enforcement, and porous borders to expand their operations.
For me, this raises significant concerns due to the violent and organized nature of the group. Here are the key reasons why this is a serious problem:
1. Criminal Activity and Violence:
- Tren de Aragua is involved in serious criminal enterprises such as drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking, and illegal mining. These activities could spill over into U.S. communities if members of the gang establish networks or operations within the country.
- The gang’s violent tendencies and control of prison systems in Venezuela suggest they could engage in violent crime, recruit members, or engage in extortion on U.S. soil.
2. National Security Risk:
- Having gang members with ties to transnational criminal organizations in the U.S. poses a national security threat. Tren de Aragua operates internationally, and its expansion into the U.S. could lead to the strengthening of criminal networks already present in North and Central America, such as MS-13 or drug cartels.
- Members of these criminal organizations may exploit vulnerabilities in U.S. immigration systems, particularly during times of increased migration.
3. Impact on Public Safety:
- The presence of a large number of gang members in U.S. cities could increase local crime rates, particularly in drug-related activities, gang violence, and human trafficking. The gang’s notorious involvement in human smuggling and extortion of migrants is particularly concerning, as it could endanger vulnerable populations entering the U.S.
4. Strain on Law Enforcement:
- U.S. law enforcement agencies, including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), FBI, and local police, may face increased challenges in tracking, identifying, and dismantling criminal networks associated with Tren de Aragua.
- Coordination with international law enforcement agencies will be necessary to address this problem, given the transnational nature of the gang.
5. Exploitation of Migration Crisis:
- The entry of over 600 gang members into the U.S. could be part of a larger strategy to exploit migration waves, particularly from Venezuela, where many people are fleeing economic and political instability. This makes it easier for organized crime groups to infiltrate border crossings and evade detection.
In summary, the entry of Tren de Aragua members into the U.S. is a serious concern due to the gang’s involvement in violent crime, the potential for increased criminal activity, and the national security risks associated with transnational criminal organizations operating inside U.S. borders. Authorities will need to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this threat to maintain public safety and security. Regardless of your political views and opinions about immigration and the border, PLEASE make sure you VOTE! Your voice matters!!