What is Tren de Aragua?
Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan gang that originated in a prison in the state of Aragua and has since expanded its operations into Central America and the United States, with a presence in Texas, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin. The group is involved in human smuggling and a range of other criminal activities targeting migrants, including kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking.
According to a report from Transparency Venezuela, the gang adopted its name between 2013 and 2015, although it may have been active earlier.
What is Texas doing to target the gang?
On September 16, Governor Greg Abbott declared the gang a foreign terrorist organization through a proclamation. He instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to form a strike team comprising state troopers, Texas Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend gang members operating in Texas.
By designating the gang a foreign terrorist organization, individuals associated with Tren de Aragua could face more severe sentences for offenses such as drug distribution. The state’s laws also allow for civil penalties against foreign terrorist groups.
How does the gang operate?
Initially, the gang extorted businesses in Venezuela before expanding into human trafficking activities across Colombia, Peru, and Chile. The organization aims to establish a presence in different countries to carry out its illegal operations. According to DPS Director Steve McCraw, El Paso serves as the gang’s primary hub.
Is the gang a major public safety threat in Texas?
Abbott disclosed that Tren de Aragua’s activities in Texas have been evident since 2021. Over 3,000 undocumented immigrants from Venezuela have been arrested in Texas for offenses related to human smuggling, with over 200 individuals still wanted.
While the gang poses a more significant threat to countries in Latin America, it should not be underestimated, according to Michael Shifter, a senior fellow at the Inter-American Dialogue.
Did the gang take over a hotel in El Paso?
Reports suggested that the gang’s members were apprehended at the Gateway Hotel in El Paso, which was shut down due to extensive criminal activities, including human smuggling and drug possession by Tren de Aragua affiliates.
How is the gang’s activity playing into U.S. politics?
Abbott attributed the growing Tren de Aragua presence in Texas to President Biden’s policies, particularly the humanitarian parole program allowing immigrants from certain countries, including Venezuela, to reside lawfully in the U.S. The issue has become a political talking point, with former President Trump emphasizing concerns about undocumented immigrants during recent debates.
Shifter highlighted the political context surrounding Abbott’s actions, suggesting that there is an attempt to exploit immigration fears in the lead-up to the upcoming presidential election.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policies. Learn more at texastribune.org.
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