What is Tren de Aragua?
Tren de Aragua is a notorious Venezuelan gang that originated in a prison in the state of Aragua. Since its inception, the gang has expanded its operations beyond Venezuela, establishing a presence in various Central American countries and even reaching the United States, with notable activities reported in states like Texas, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin. The gang is primarily involved in human smuggling and a range of other criminal activities that target vulnerable migrants, including kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking.
The name "Tren de Aragua" was adopted between 2013 and 2015, although reports suggest that the gang may have begun its operations even earlier. According to Transparency Venezuela, the group has evolved into a significant player in the criminal underworld, leveraging the chaos and instability in the region to expand its influence.
What is Texas doing to target the gang?
In response to the growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua, Texas Governor Greg Abbott took decisive action by signing a proclamation on September 16, declaring the gang a foreign terrorist organization. This designation allows for harsher penalties against gang members, particularly for crimes such as drug distribution. Abbott also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to mobilize a specialized strike team comprising state troopers, Texas Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies to pursue the gang’s activities across Texas.
The declaration as a foreign terrorist organization not only heightens the legal consequences for gang members but also authorizes civil penalties against the group. While Texas currently lacks a comprehensive database tracking individuals affiliated with Tren de Aragua, Abbott announced plans for law enforcement to create one, aiming to enhance the state’s ability to combat the gang’s influence.
How does the gang operate?
Tren de Aragua initially made its mark by extorting local businesses in Venezuela. Over time, the gang expanded its operations to include human trafficking, moving individuals into neighboring countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Chile. Governor Abbott has indicated that El Paso has become a focal point for the gang’s activities, describing it as the "ground zero" for Tren de Aragua’s operations in the United States.
The gang’s modus operandi involves infiltrating communities and establishing bases of operation to facilitate their criminal enterprises. This expansion strategy has raised alarms among law enforcement and policymakers, as the gang’s activities pose significant risks to public safety and order.
Is the gang a major public safety threat in Texas?
The presence of Tren de Aragua in Texas has been a growing concern since 2021. Governor Abbott reported that over 3,000 undocumented immigrants from Venezuela have been arrested in Texas for crimes related to human smuggling, with more than 200 individuals currently wanted for various offenses. While experts like Michael Shifter from the Inter-American Dialogue acknowledge that the gang poses a more significant threat to Latin American countries, they also stress the importance of taking the gang’s activities in the U.S. seriously.
Shifter emphasized that Tren de Aragua represents a major problem that requires attention, but he expressed confidence in U.S. law enforcement’s ability to manage the situation effectively.
Did the gang take over a hotel in El Paso?
During a recent press conference, Governor Abbott highlighted that over 100 members of Tren de Aragua had been arrested at the Gateway Hotel in downtown El Paso on charges including human smuggling and possession of illegal drugs. Some media outlets characterized this incident as a "takeover" of the hotel by the gang.
However, the El Paso County Attorney clarified that the hotel was shut down due to widespread criminal activity rather than a specific gang takeover. The establishment, which has been in operation for 121 years, was found to be operating without a valid certificate of occupancy and was associated with various criminal incidents, including aggravated assaults and public intoxication. Police reports indicated that criminal activity at the hotel had surged due to the presence of Tren de Aragua.
How is the gang’s activity playing into U.S. politics?
The emergence of Tren de Aragua has not only raised public safety concerns but has also become a focal point in U.S. political discourse. Governor Abbott’s announcement of a crackdown on the gang coincided with his criticism of President Joe Biden, whom he blamed for the increasing activity of the gang in Texas. Abbott argued that the Biden administration’s policies, particularly a humanitarian parole program allowing certain Venezuelans to enter the U.S., have contributed to the gang’s expansion.
This political narrative gained traction during recent presidential debates, where former President Donald Trump highlighted reports of Venezuelan gangs allegedly "taking over" properties in states like Colorado. Political analysts, including Shifter, suggest that Abbott’s actions should be viewed in the context of the upcoming presidential election, as both Abbott and Trump seek to frame the narrative around immigration and crime to resonate with their political bases.
The situation surrounding Tren de Aragua continues to evolve, intertwining issues of public safety, immigration policy, and political strategy in a complex and often contentious landscape.