Venezuelan Gang Tren de Aragua Expands Across U.S. States
Homeland Security warns of growing influence and violent activities across multiple regions
Homeland Security's recent intelligence memo reveals the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) has established a presence in at least 16 U.S. states, spanning regions such as California, Florida, Texas, and New York.
The gang's expansion is linked to increased violence and fraud, with local police raising alarms.
Notably, in August 2023, three individuals with gang tattoos were arrested for shoplifting in Fairfax County, Virginia.
The gang's operations stretch from robbery and assault in Virginia to sophisticated fraud in Florida, where a suspected member withdrew $118,000 using fraudulent means.
The lack of data exchange between the U.S. and Venezuela complicates detection efforts, with political tensions hindering deportations.
Tren de Aragua's activities extend to gun smuggling and sex trafficking, especially in New York.
Cities like Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee have reported human trafficking and retail theft linked to the gang.
The growing threat has prompted attention from U.S. leaders, including pledges from President-elect Donald Trump to intensify deportation efforts, leveraging both ICE and military resources.
The gang's expansion is linked to increased violence and fraud, with local police raising alarms.
Notably, in August 2023, three individuals with gang tattoos were arrested for shoplifting in Fairfax County, Virginia.
The gang's operations stretch from robbery and assault in Virginia to sophisticated fraud in Florida, where a suspected member withdrew $118,000 using fraudulent means.
The lack of data exchange between the U.S. and Venezuela complicates detection efforts, with political tensions hindering deportations.
Tren de Aragua's activities extend to gun smuggling and sex trafficking, especially in New York.
Cities like Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee have reported human trafficking and retail theft linked to the gang.
The growing threat has prompted attention from U.S. leaders, including pledges from President-elect Donald Trump to intensify deportation efforts, leveraging both ICE and military resources.
