A violent Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua has been identified as a threat that is expanding across the United States, with potential long-lasting impacts on American society. The Heritage Foundation has published an issue brief on this gang, detailing how it has become a transnational criminal organization with a significant presence in the U.S. This surge coincided with the crisis at the southern border, allowing many Venezuelan migrants to enter the country. The gang has roots in the Tocoron prison in Venezuela and has since expanded into several other countries, echoing the rise of the Salvadoran MS-13 gang in the 1980s.
Former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) acting Commissioner Mark Morgan has warned of the rise of Tren de Aragua, blaming the current administration for providing a pathway for its expansion. He compares the gang to MS-13 and highlights its potential for violence and crime. The gang has already been linked to numerous crimes in states such as Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Colorado, and New York. Law enforcement officials have identified tattoos and other identifiers associated with Tren de Aragua members.
With the gang’s growing presence, former President Trump has announced “Operation Aurora” to target and dismantle illegal migrant criminal networks operating in the U.S. The program would utilize the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expedite the removal of gang members. Trump has emphasized the need to address the threat posed by these violent gangs on American soil. The Heritage Foundation report also suggests that there may be additional crimes committed by gang members that have not been reported, indicating that the crimes reported could be just the beginning.
The report highlights the potential link between Venezuela’s export of young criminals and the increase in violent crimes in the U.S. The gang’s presence in parts of Colorado has raised concerns about public safety, with reports of members being given permission to attack law enforcement officers in Denver. Former President Trump has pledged to take action against the gang if re-elected, emphasizing the need to target and dismantle these criminal networks. His running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, has pushed back against claims that the gang’s influence is limited to a few apartment blocks, suggesting that their connections could extend beyond what is currently known to law enforcement.
The potential for Tren de Aragua and other violent gangs to continue to expand and operate in the U.S. poses a significant challenge to law enforcement and public safety. The Heritage Foundation report warns that the crimes reported may only scratch the surface of the gang’s criminal activities, with the possibility of more unreported incidents. The alarming rise of this gang has sparked concerns among officials and policymakers, leading to calls for stricter enforcement measures to address the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua.