A violent street gang originating from Venezuela, Tren de Aragua, is raising alarm bells across the United States as it expands its reach and influence. The gang, believed to have originated in Venezuelan prisons and migrated north over the past decade, has been linked to a number of crimes, including robberies, assaults, and even the takeover of apartment buildings in Colorado.
The gang’s reputation within the U.S. has escalated this year, largely due to high-profile crimes attributed to its members. Many are believed to have arrived through the southern border, taking advantage of the surge in migration in recent years. In March, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) bulletin alerted agents to tattoos and other identifiers specific to the gang, signifying the agency’s growing awareness of their presence.
Federal authorities previously warned of the gang’s potential to establish itself in the U.S., even raising concerns about a potential alliance with the notorious MS-13 gang. These concerns have come to fruition as reports emerge of the gang taking over apartment buildings in Aurora, Colorado, with armed members demanding rent in exchange for protection.
In February, New York officials linked Tren de Aragua to over 62 robberies in the city, while two suspected members were arrested for a shocking assault on two NYPD officers. The brother of the suspect in the killing of Georgia student Laken Riley also has ties to the gang, and in Texas, 10 migrants affiliated with the gang were arrested in May.
While the gang’s presence in Colorado has been described as ‘small’ by city officials, reports of armed men taking over buildings and kicking down doors raise significant concerns. The Aurora mayor acknowledged that several buildings under out-of-state ownership have fallen under the gang’s control.
Federal authorities are taking action against Tren de Aragua. In July, the Treasury designated the gang as a ‘significant transnational criminal organization,’ effectively blocking all property and assets owned by the gang in the U.S. The State Department offered a $12 million reward for information leading to the arrest of three of the gang’s leaders. The administration also emphasized its commitment to disrupting the gang and has increased vetting procedures.
However, concerns remain about the gang’s potential to further infiltrate communities and team up with other criminal organizations. As the Biden administration faces increasing pressure to address the border crisis, the growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua is likely to remain a top priority.
