A violent Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua is increasing its presence across the United States, likened to a “slow-growing cancer” that will impact Americans for decades to come. The gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison and has since expanded into multiple countries, including the U.S., is compared to the notorious Salvadoran gang MS-13. According to the Heritage Foundation, the rise of Tren de Aragua in the U.S. can be attributed to the current administration’s policies on immigration, allowing for the group’s expansion and criminal activities.
Former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan has warned that Tren de Aragua represents a significant threat to public safety, similar to MS-13. The gang has been linked to a multitude of crimes in various states, including robberies and assaults on law enforcement. Tren de Aragua members have been known to operate with impunity, with reports of them being given the green light to attack law enforcement in some instances. The influx of members of the gang, alongside other criminal networks, has prompted former President Trump to announce plans for “Operation Aurora” to target and remove illegal migrant criminal organizations from American soil.
The Heritage Foundation notes that the crimes attributed to Tren de Aragua in the U.S. may only scratch the surface, suggesting that there could be further unreported instances of violence and criminal activity by the gang. As a result, there is a growing concern that Tren de Aragua’s presence in the U.S. could continue to grow and pose a significant challenge to law enforcement and public safety. While there have been efforts to crack down on the gang’s activities, the challenge of identifying and dismantling their operations remains a complex and ongoing task.
The report highlights the role of Venezuelan migration as a facilitator for the expansion of Tren de Aragua into the U.S., with members blending in among the larger Venezuelan population that has entered the country in recent years. The gang’s ability to establish alliances with other criminal organizations and expand its network is reminiscent of MS-13’s tactics and reach within the U.S. The report calls for increased vigilance and coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat the threat posed by Tren de Aragua and prevent further violence and criminal activity.
Former President Trump’s announcement of Operation Aurora and his commitment to addressing the issue of illegal migrant criminal networks reflects the urgency and seriousness of the situation. The potential for Tren de Aragua to become a long-lasting and pervasive criminal presence in the U.S. is a cause for concern, prompting calls for swift and decisive action to prevent further harm and protect American communities. The Heritage Foundation’s report serves as a wake-up call to the challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations, urging policymakers and law enforcement agencies to prioritize efforts to address the growing threat of gangs like Tren de Aragua in the U.S.
