Venezuelan Street Gang Poses Growing Threat in US
The rise of a Venezuelan street gang in the United States is causing concern at both the state and federal levels, as the gang appears to be exploiting the current crisis at the southern border and becoming more brazen in its activities.
According to a bulletin released by the Colorado Information Analysis Center, the Albuquerque, New Mexico Police Department warned of the Tren De Aragua criminal organization giving members in Denver a ‘green light’ to attack law enforcement. Similar messages were reported to Chicago federal officials and Border Patrol agents.
Several warnings have been issued by state and federal agencies, as well as lawmakers, about the gang. Believed to have originated in a Venezuelan prison, the gang has expanded its reach into the U.S. over the years.
Earlier this month, the Biden administration took action to combat the group. The Treasury Department designated it a “significant transnational criminal organization,” while the State Department and Department of Justice offered a $12 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of three of the gang’s leaders.
The National Security Council stated that government departments and agencies are working to “identify and disrupt” the group, while law enforcement is collaborating with state and local partners to investigate and prosecute Tren de Aragua members involved in criminal activities.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had already been warning agents last year about the possibility of Tren de Aragua members entering through the southern border.
Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens emphasized the threat posed by the gang, urging agents to stay vigilant. He shared images of gang member tattoos, including one that said “Salute me or shoot me.”
The gang, known as TdA, gained attention earlier this year when it was revealed that the brother of a suspect in the killing of Georgia student Laken Riley had ties to the gang.
Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, recently called on the administration to halt all Venezuelans from entering the U.S. until the socialist country agrees to take back its illegal immigrants.
