The notorious Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela is expanding its operations into the U.S., sparking significant concern among law enforcement agencies and communities.
At a Glance
- Suspected Venezuelan gang activity in Denver is causing public concern in Colorado and the U.S.
- The gang, called Tren de Aragua (TdA), is reportedly present in the Denver metro area.
- The Biden administration designated TdA as a transnational criminal organization in July.
- U.S. Border Patrol has reported apprehensions of unauthorized immigrants linked to TdA.
- The DEA is investigating TdA’s involvement in fentanyl trafficking in Colorado.
Rising Threat of Tren de Aragua
The Tren de Aragua gang, originating from the violent prisons of Venezuela, is now a dire threat to American communities. This criminal organization, involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and violent crime, has been linked to numerous incidents in the United States. Law enforcement officers have reported the gang’s activities in several U.S. cities, particularly in Denver, Colorado.
Authorities in Colorado are on high alert as the gang’s presence has been confirmed in the Denver metro area. The gang is also suspected of having infiltrated several apartment complexes in the neighboring city of Aurora, which has seen a significant uptick in violent crime. The Denver metropolitan area has welcomed over 40,000 migrants since December 2022, exacerbating the situation and straining local resources, which have been costly to manage.
Setting aside local leaders are downplaying the threat, it ignores the fact Tren de Aragua SHOULD NOT be in the U.S. in the first place, period. But they are because the Biden-Harris admin opened the border and allowed this brutal gang easy access into the U.S.
This gang was… https://t.co/7IZA5qnYEH
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 31, 2024
Law Enforcement’s Response
U.S. Border Patrol has reported apprehensions of unauthorized immigrants linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is actively investigating the gang’s involvement in fentanyl trafficking, a serious public health threat. In response to the heightened risk, federal law enforcement has launched over 100 investigations into crimes related to the gang, including drug dealing, extortion, and sex trafficking.
“You need to know about this gang,” stated Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens. “Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!”
Aurora City Council passed a resolution in February 2023, stating it will not provide resources to migrants, contrasting with Denver’s approach. U.S. officials are urging vigilance and unity in combating the gang’s operations. The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the gang’s presence and their directive to target law enforcement.
Call for Unified Effort
The Biden administration designated Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization in July. This move underscores the government’s recognition of the escalating threat the gang poses to national security. The State Department has also offered up to $12 million for information leading to the arrest of three gang leaders.
“Today’s designation of Tren de Aragua as a significant Transnational Criminal Organization underscores the escalating threat it poses to American communities,” stated a Department of Justice spokesperson.
Despite several arrests, legal and deportation hurdles mean that many gang members often return to the community. “For months, I have sounded the alarm about Tren de Aragua and the threat this gang poses,” said a concerned local official.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Tren de Aragua gang into the U.S. is a grave concern highlighting the need for a unified and vigilant approach to ensure public safety. With resources strained and communities on edge, the call for proactive and comprehensive measures to curb the gang’s influence has never been more critical. Unity among law enforcement, government agencies, and local communities will be essential in tackling this complex and multifaceted challenge.
“It’s really rare” for a gang to receive this level of recognition from officials, says David Pyrooz, a gang researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. “While agencies typically avoid giving a gang notoriety, it seemed they had an ‘obligation because of the outcry’ to offer some confirmation.”
