Members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua have been given permission to attack and open fire on law enforcement officers in Denver, according to a federal memo obtained by The Post. The gang is involved in numerous crimes, including the shooting of two NYPD officers who were trying to arrest one of its members. The memo, from the Homeland Security Investigations office in Chicago, warns law enforcement officials to be cautious when dealing with Tren de Aragua members or affiliates, as the gang already has a presence in Chicago.
The gang, whose name translates to “The Aragua Train”, has made its way into the US by sending members disguised as asylum seekers across the southern border. Once in the country, they have spread to major cities such as New York, Chicago, Miami, and Denver, where they participate in illegal activities such as money laundering, gun smuggling, theft, and human trafficking. While the Border Patrol has started tracking the group and has caught 70 members, many are still able to evade law enforcement due to the younger members’ lack of gang tattoos or other identifiable markers.
Border Patrol sources have expressed concerns about the ease with which criminals can enter the US, especially with the current administration’s lack of effective deterrents. The gang has been the focus of over 100 criminal investigations by federal authorities, leading the Biden administration to designate it as a transnational criminal organization and offer a $12 million reward for the capture of its leaders. Venezuelan migrant Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, who is accused of shooting two NYPD officers, stated that he was recruited by the gang’s coordinator in New York City to join their criminal activities.
The influx of migrants from Venezuela into Denver has increased, with the city receiving the most migrants per capita of any US city. Denver, like other major cities, has seen an increase in gang activity, as Tren de Aragua has established a presence there through their criminal operations. The gang’s ability to smuggle guns into New York City through food delivery bags and recruit new members among migrants suggests a well-organized criminal network that poses a significant threat to law enforcement and public safety.
Law enforcement officials have been advised to remain vigilant when encountering Tren de Aragua members or affiliates in order to protect themselves from potential attacks. As the gang continues to expand its operations in the US, it is essential for authorities to take proactive measures to combat their criminal activities. Through coordinated efforts and intelligence sharing, law enforcement agencies can work together to dismantle the gang’s operations and bring its leaders to justice. The warnings issued by the federal memo serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua and the importance of addressing the root causes of gang violence and organized crime.
