The recent disclosure from US Army documents reveals the infiltration of Venezuelan prison gangs into US communities, posing significant threats to public safety and national security.
At a Glance
- Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang has entered US communities, likened to MS-13 in threat level.
- TDA used the border crisis to infiltrate unsuspected US neighborhoods, including Colorado.
- A US Department of Homeland Security memo confirmed TDA’s directive to attack law enforcement.
- Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman acknowledged TDA’s control over several apartment complexes in Aurora.
- TDA’s leader, Hector Rutherford Guerrero Flores, escaped from prison and is believed to be in Colombia.
- Federal investigations into TDA-related crimes include drug dealing, extortion, and sex trafficking.
Infiltration and Threats
The Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang, a Venezuelan criminal organization comparable to MS-13 in terms of threat level, has infiltrated various US communities. According to documents released by the US Army, TDA members have moved into unsuspected neighborhoods, including areas in Colorado. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security memo confirmed the gang’s presence and their directive to attack law enforcement, raising alarms among federal and local agencies.
TDA exploited the ongoing border crisis to infiltrate the US, resulting in their presence in several American communities. This nefarious activity has been well-documented, including the gang’s control over apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman described the situation as “a nightmare.” TDA members have been trafficking drugs, extorting businesses, and conducting violent crimes, further endangering American citizens.
Impact on Local Communities
The severity of TDA’s reach into US communities is clear. There have been multiple reports of violent incidents involving gang members. One particularly horrific case is the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, allegedly by TDA member Jose Ibarra. Additionally, TDA leader Hector Rutherford Guerrero Flores escaped from a Venezuelan prison and is suspected to be hiding in Colombia, raising further concerns about the gang’s networking capabilities.
“Keep your eye on this gang. Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!” – U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens.
The gang also operates “stash houses” for sex trafficking across multiple states. Federal law enforcement has initiated over 100 investigations related to TDA’s criminal activities, which encompass drug dealing, extortion, sex trafficking, and shootings. The FBI, in cooperation with other agencies, is actively tracking TDA members and their activities.
Efforts to Combat TDA
In response to this escalating threat, lawmakers including Sen. Marco Rubio and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales are advocating for TDA to be designated as a transnational criminal organization. This designation would allocate more resources to combat the gang effectively. The U.S. government has offered rewards totaling up to $12 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gang’s leaders.
Former Border Patrol agent Ammon Blair emphasized the difficulties in screening Venezuelan migrants for criminal backgrounds, pointing out that unless agents get a criminal history from Interpol, the risk of “ghost criminals”— those with misrepresented identities—continues to loom. The situation necessitates increased vigilance and enhanced screening procedures.
The infiltration of the Tren de Aragua gang into U.S. neighborhoods presents a multi-faceted threat, affecting the safety and security of American citizens. As federal and local agencies collaborate to address this menace, the significance of a unified, decisive approach cannot be overstated. It is crucial for policymakers and law enforcement to remain vigilant and proactive in this battle to protect our communities.
