The Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang notorious for its violent acts in Latin America, has escalated its criminal activities into the United States, now linked to approximately 100 criminal cases nationwide. This rapid expansion from its initial presence in Texas to various U.S. regions has alarmed U.S. Homeland Security officials and marked the gang as a significant transnational threat.
Originating in a Venezuelan prison known for its extravagant amenities such as a zoo and disco, Tren de Aragua has transformed over the past decade into a major international crime organization. It has engaged in extensive criminal activities including drug trafficking, robbery, and extortion, often exploiting vulnerable immigrant communities for profit.
The gang’s move into the U.S. has seen it maintain its violent operational tactics, which have included high-profile crimes such as shootings targeting law enforcement officers and other public disturbances.
The gang’s notorious acts have not only caught media attention but have also heightened public and governmental concerns regarding the gang’s potential to disrupt American society as it has in Latin America.
In response to this growing threat, U.S. authorities have taken significant measures. The Treasury Department sanctioned Tren de Aragua in July, aiming to cut off its financial networks. Additionally, the State Department has offered rewards totaling up to $12 million for information leading to the arrest of the gang’s leadership.