A new report by the conservative organization, The Heritage Foundation, details the expansion of the violent Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, across the U.S. The gang is described as growing “like a slow growing cancer” and is expected to impact Americans for decades to come. The report highlights the surge of Venezuelans entering the country in recent years and how Tren de Aragua has been able to blend in and establish itself among them. The gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison, has also expanded to multiple other countries, mirroring the pattern of Venezuelan migration into the U.S.
Former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) acting Commissioner, Mark Morgan, compared the rise of Tren de Aragua to the notorious MS-13 gang. He warns that the current administration has provided the pathway for the gang to become a significant threat in the U.S. The report quotes Venezuela’s statistics, showing a drop in violent deaths within the country possibly related to the export of young criminals, including members of Tren de Aragua. The U.S. has already seen a rise in crimes linked to the gang, with incidents reported in various states including Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Colorado, and New York.
The gang has established a significant presence in parts of Colorado, where they have reportedly taken over multiple apartment blocks. The report mentions a case in which Tren de Aragua members were given permission to attack law enforcement in Denver. Former President Trump has announced “Operation Aurora” to target and remove Tren de Aragua members if elected. The program would use the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to dismantle migrant criminal networks operating in the U.S. Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, has pushed back against claims that the gang is limited to a “handful” of apartment blocks, warning that there could be more connections and crimes that are unreported.
The Heritage Foundation report raises concerns about the potential scale of crimes committed by Tren de Aragua members. It acknowledges that the crimes reported so far could be just the tip of the iceberg, with the gang’s connections to other violent gangs possibly evading U.S. law enforcement scrutiny even after arrests. The report underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the threat posed by Tren de Aragua, emphasizing the importance of dismantling criminal networks operating on American soil. The expansion of the gang is likened to a slow-growing cancer that could have lasting repercussions for the safety and security of Americans.
Despite efforts to tackle the gang, concerns persist about the reach and capabilities of Tren de Aragua. The report highlights the gang’s involvement in numerous crimes across the country, as well as its aggressive tactics in areas where it has established a strong presence. The Heritage Foundation’s publication serves as a warning about the potential long-term consequences of allowing transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua to operate within the U.S., emphasizing the need for decisive action to prevent further escalation of violence and crime. The escalating threat posed by Tren de Aragua underscores the challenges facing law enforcement and policymakers in combating the growing influence of such gangs in the country.
