The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reportedly released a memo on Tuesday, July 30, that members of the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua (TDA) were given the “green light” to open fire on and attack Denver Police Department officers. The agency said it was tipped off to the threat by Albuquerque, New Mexico, law enforcement.
The gang is allegedly linked to hundreds of crimes, including the shootings of two New York Police Department officers who were attempting to arrest one of its members in June. Reports have also tied the gang to the brother of the suspect in the murder of Georgia student Laken Riley. Both men are undocumented immigrants from Venezuela.
U.S. border officials said that members of TDA have been sneaking over the southern border disguised as asylum-seekers.
According to U.S. government officials, the gang is linked to human smuggling and sex trafficking in the United States, as well as involved in murder, kidnapping, gun smuggling and a number of prison riots in Venezuela. Authorities warn that TDA has infiltrated cities like Denver, Chicago, Miami and New York City.
U.S. Border Patrol has been tracking the criminal organization and since last year has captured 70 of its members.
Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens warned in May that the gang’s “criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities.”
The Denver Police Department said it is taking the warning from federal authorities seriously and is making sure officers are aware of the safety concerns raised.
