A terrifying Venezuelan gang, known as Tren de Aragua, or TdA, has been spreading fear and chaos across the United States, now operating in at least 19 states. Their influence has reached places like New York, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Florida, California, and Illinois. Recently, they’ve started moving into new territories like Maryland, North Dakota, Arizona, and Utah, where violent crimes are reportedly increasing.
This gang isn’t just involved in petty crime—they’re suspected of running large-scale operations like human trafficking, extortion, and drug trafficking. Their brutal activities have led the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to officially label them as a Transnational Criminal Organization. DHS has tried to calm public fears by assuring everyone that all people processed at the border go through strict security checks. If someone is flagged as a threat, they’re detained or handed over to other federal agencies.
Some lawmakers, like Texas Representative Troy Nehls, are pointing fingers at the Biden administration’s border policies. Nehls has criticized what he calls lenient measures, claiming they’ve allowed violent criminals, including members of Tren de Aragua, to slip into the country. “For over two years, I’ve been warning about this, and now we’re seeing the consequences,” he said.
The gang’s activities have led to several shocking incidents across the US. In New York, police launched a massive operation in Brooklyn and the Bronx, arresting nearly two dozen men linked to the gang. One of these raids happened on December 5, in a building right next to a daycare center that authorities believe was being used as a gang hideout.
In Colorado, the situation turned violent when Aurora police arrested 14 people after a home invasion involving kidnapping and assault. While police suspect these individuals are linked to TdA, this hasn’t been fully confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, on December 3, a high-ranking gang member with a long history of violent crimes was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, in a joint effort by US and international law enforcement. Jeffrey A. Grimming, Acting Director of Interpol Washington, called Tren de Aragua a “significant threat” to the country.
Back in the Bronx, another raid led to the arrest of seven gang members. One of them was even wearing an ankle monitor at the time, showing how brazen their activities have become.
Former ICE Chief John Fabbricatore shed light on the gang’s recruitment tactics, explaining that they often target vulnerable migrants in shelters, pulling them into their operations. He emphasized how serious the problem has become, saying, “People are finally starting to realize just how bad the situation is.”
Federal officials are now teaming up with law enforcement agencies across the country to crack down on Tren de Aragua’s expanding network. The fight is far from over, but authorities are determined to protect public safety and curb the gang’s growing influence.
