Tren de Aragua: The Venezuelan Gang Under U.S. Scrutiny

Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan gang that evolved from a prison organization into a transnational criminal syndicate, led by Hector Guerrero Flores. Following a military raid in September 2023, Guerrero escaped, prompting U.S. President Trump to address the gang’s activities as a threat to national security. The gang is implicated in various criminal enterprises worldwide, including the U.S., leading to numerous arrests and significant concern regarding its infiltration among Venezuelan migrants.

Tren de Aragua is a prominent Venezuelan gang that gained notoriety for transforming Tocorón Prison into a luxurious resort under the leadership of Hector Guerrero Flores. Following a military operation in September 2023 to regain control of the prison, Guerrero managed to escape. This gang is now a target in the U.S. under a push for the mass deportation of foreign criminals, led by President Donald Trump.

Established initially as a prison gang, Tren de Aragua evolved into a transnational criminal organization with operations extending beyond Venezuela. The U.S. State Department has issued a $5 million reward for information leading to Guerrero’s capture. Over the years, he significantly expanded the gang’s influence, taking control of gold mines, drug trafficking routes, and clandestine border operations between Venezuela and Colombia.

Originally linked to a railroad workers’ union, the gang has diversified into various criminal enterprises such as sex trafficking and contract killing. While its membership is debated, estimates suggest around 5,000 members, with annual profits between $10 million and $15 million. Although not as powerful as other Latin American groups, Tren de Aragua’s brutal tactics have drawn comparisons to the notorious MS-13 gang.

Recent developments indicate a growing presence of Tren de Aragua in the U.S., with arrests made for severe offenses, including murder and kidnapping. Approximately 600 Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. have been estimated to have connections to the gang, with 100 reportedly being members. While U.S. officials acknowledge the gang’s activities, most Venezuelans residing in the country are under protected status.

In light of these factors, President Trump has labeled Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, asserting that it poses a significant threat to national security. He emphasized that the gang engages in irregular warfare against the United States, following claims of illegal activities that undermine the safety of American citizens. The gang’s expansive operations and connections raise urgent questions regarding security and immigration policy in the U.S.

In summary, Tren de Aragua represents a significant criminal organization originating in Venezuela, now posing threats that extend internationally, including to the United States. Following aggressive expansion and criminal diversification, it has come under scrutiny from both the U.S. government and law enforcement. This gang’s activities highlight a pressing concern for national security, prompting calls for stricter immigration controls and law enforcement action against its affiliates. The ongoing situation underscores a broader challenge posed by international crime networks and their potential impact in various nations. President Trump’s designation of Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization further highlights the government’s commitment to addressing such threats decisively.

Original Source: www.bbc.com