Emerging Threat: U.S. Communities Face Unseen Infiltration by Foreign Gangs

Emerging Threat: U.S. Communities Face Unseen Infiltration by Foreign Gangs

Intelligence reports reveal Venezuelan prison gangs have infiltrated U.S. communities, posing a significant national security threat.

Originating from workers’ unions associated with an unfinished railway project in Venezuela, Tren de Aragua (TDA) quickly expanded its influence from prison operations to broader criminal activities. Known for its violent activities and criminal expertise, TDA has now established itself in various U.S. communities, including Colorado. Intelligence suggests that the gang’s infiltration is posing an ongoing national security threat.

Members of TDA have been linked to a range of violent crimes, from the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley to the shooting of two New York police officers. These incidents underscore the gang’s capacity for violence and the urgent need for effective interventions.

Using the chaos at the southern U.S. border, TDA has managed to slip into unsuspecting American neighborhoods, integrating into local communities under the guise of law-abiding immigrants. As over 7 million Venezuelans fled their country, more than 700,000 have attempted to enter the U.S. since January 2021. Law enforcement agencies have identified TDA members hiding among them.

“Keep your eye on this gang. Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!” expressed U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens.

The federal law enforcement has over 100 ongoing investigations into TDA-related crimes, including drug dealing, extortion, sex trafficking, and shootings. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman revealed that TDA had exerted control over several apartment complexes, creating a “nightmare situation” for residents.

The FBI, along with other federal and local law enforcement agencies, is actively tracking TDA’s activities. There is ongoing cooperation with various intelligence agencies to mitigate the threat. However, Venezuela’s lack of cooperation complicates the screening process for criminal backgrounds, making it difficult to identify gang members among immigrants.

Lawmakers, including Sen. Marco Rubio and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, are advocating the designation of TDA as a transnational criminal organization, which would allow more resources to combat its activities. The U.S. government has thus far offered rewards totaling up to $12 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of TDA’s leaders.

“Today’s designation of Tren de Aragua as a significant Transnational Criminal Organization underscores the escalating threat it poses to American communities.”

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR