United States law enforcement is becoming increasingly concerned about the violent Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua (TDA). Members of TDA have established operations in major cities across the United States as reported on Sunday, Aug. 4.
Federal authorities believe that members of the gang are hiding among thousands of Venezuelans fleeing the regime of Nicolas Maduro amid ongoing unrest in the country.
Federal law enforcement warned the Denver Police Department about an enhanced threat from the criminal organization. The warning from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security came after the agency was tipped off that Tren de Aragua had given the “green light” for its members to attack Denver Police officers. The Denver Police Department said it is taking the warning seriously in regard to any interactions its members’ may have with the gang.
In July, the U.S. government designated Tren de Aragua as a “transnational criminal organization.” The designation frees up resources for law enforcement to stop the spread of the gang in the U.S. This makes it easier to freeze assets and restrict travel for suspected gang members.
The U.S. State and Justice Departments are also offering millions of dollars in combined rewards for information leading to the arrest of top TDA leaders.
As federal authorities look to take down the gang, the TDA’s threat appears to be growing. The Daily Mail exclusively reported that the gang has moved its headquarters from South America to the Mexican side of the U.S. southern border, which is near the outskirts of El Paso.
El Paso officials told the Daily Mail that they fear gang violence will spillover into the city as a result. Meanwhile, Rep. Tony Gonzalez, R-Texas, who represents El Paso, called Tren de Aragua the “epitome of evil.” According to the Daily Mail, border agents are on high alert and have been warned to check migrants for tattoos associated with TDA.
Tren de Aragua became infamous after taking over and then operating out of a South American prison. The criminal organization is linked to murders, sex trafficking, kidnappings and extortion.
