In a decisive move, the U.S. has labeled the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist entity, escalating measures amid glaring infrastructure concerns.
At a Glance
- The U.S. indictment charges 27 linked to Tren de Aragua with significant crimes.
- Designation as a foreign terrorist entity aids in taking legal actions.
- Governor Abbott launches a statewide operation targeting the gang.
- Investigation relies on interviews with both current and former gang members.
Tren de Aragua: A Rising Threat
With an unprecedented move, U.S. authorities have responded to a rising threat by designating the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist entity. This decision highlights the severity of the violent acts, from gruesome violence to sex trafficking, attributed to the gang. Indictments against 27 individuals—involving charges like racketeering and drug trafficking—illustrate the gang’s comprehensive criminal network.
This Venezuelan syndicate, linked allegedly to President Nicolás Maduro, targets vulnerable groups, particularly Venezuelan women, exacerbating tensions within the already unstable New York City infrastructure. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized, “Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang — it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence.”
Texas’ Stand Against Tren de Aragua
The Lone Star State is not standing idly by. Governor Greg Abbott has taken a robust stance, declaring the gang a foreign terrorist organization. Emphasizing the threat, Abbott stated, “Our top focus is the safety and security of all Texans. To address this looming threat, I have ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to launch a statewide operation directly targeting Tren de Aragua to deter and disrupt their criminal operation.” Governor Abbott has put legal tools into play, seeking to dismantle the gang’s operations through civil asset forfeiture and enhanced criminal penalties.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, under DPS Director Steve McCraw, has been tasked with creating a “TdA Strike Team” aimed at targeting the gang’s presence. McCraw eagerly described the gangsters as akin to vermin, stating, “Tren de Aragua gangsters are like cockroaches. They multiply quickly; small intrusions into communities become infestations if not aggressively pursued.”
Federal Pressure Versus Local Resistance
While concerted efforts are made in Texas, federal pressure is met with resistance in New York City, a declared sanctuary city. Mayor Eric Adams has notably resisted enforcing federal immigration laws in response to the gang’s threat, highlighting the city’s reluctance to cooperate with federal measures targeting illegal immigration tied to the gang. The issue underscores the tension between federal expectations and local governance.
Despite federal indictments emphasizing the gang’s expansive criminal activity in areas like the Bronx and Queens, New York City remains hesitant in its collaboration. National Border Patrol Council Vice President Chris Cabrera cautioned, “With this gang, they’re not like traditional MS-13s where you can see them coming a mile away with the crazy tattoos all over their faces. These guys fly under the radar.”
