A dangerous Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua (TdA) is spreading its criminal activities across several western states in the U.S., including Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. This expansion has alarmed law enforcement and local communities, especially as the border crisis continues to worsen.
In Arizona, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 25-year-old Venezuelan, identified as a TdA gang member, involved in a human smuggling case. He had entered the U.S. illegally through Texas, claimed asylum, and was released by the authorities.
In Colorado, TdA’s crimes have drawn national and international attention. Their violent activities have pushed the Aurora Police Department to form a special task force, working with state and federal agencies, to combat the gang’s operations. Initially, there were claims that TdA’s crimes were limited in scope, but ongoing arrests have proved otherwise. A multi-state investigation is underway into a string of ATM thefts linked to TdA, involving multiple federal and local agencies across Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio, Wyoming, and Texas.
In Denver, a jewelry store robbery escalated into violence when robbers, suspected TdA members, pulled guns and assaulted two women. Eight suspects fled, but one was later arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and other crimes. Federal agents turned another suspect over to the Denver Sheriff’s Office after he was caught by Homeland Security Investigations. Meanwhile, Albuquerque police warned of threats from TdA targeting officers in Denver.
A particularly disturbing case involved a violent abduction and assault of a couple in a Denver suburb. Eleven people, including TdA members, have been charged. In Aurora, a law firm investigation revealed that TdA members had effectively taken over an apartment complex, engaging in crimes like assault, human trafficking, and extortion. They even threatened to kill the property managers, creating a climate of fear among tenants, many of whom were vulnerable immigrants.
Utah is also grappling with TdA-related crimes in places like Herriman and Millcreek. The state’s governor has announced plans to tackle the issue, highlighting that most illegal border crossers incarcerated in Utah face charges like sexual offenses and murder.
In Wyoming, law enforcement is keeping a close eye on TdA members. A suspected gang member was arrested in Laramie County for stealing a car from Colorado Springs. The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has been regularly arresting illegal immigrants involved in crimes and cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Sheriff Brian Kozak has been vocal about the impact of Denver’s “sanctuary city” policies, which he believes are pushing criminals into neighboring states like Wyoming. Earlier this year, his office even put up a billboard in Denver encouraging frustrated police officers to consider working in Wyoming, where “breaking the law is still illegal.”
Meanwhile, Denver continues to face criticism for cutting its police budget by millions and redirecting funds toward migrant services. These decisions have sparked debates about public safety and law enforcement priorities.
The scale of the border crisis is staggering. Over a million Venezuelans have entered the U.S. illegally under the current administration, doubling the population of Wyoming. Communities across the western states are now dealing with the fallout, struggling to balance public safety with the challenges of addressing illegal immigration.
