An organized crime group from Venezuela, known as Tren de Aragua, has become a primary target of the recent immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump's executive actions on the first day of his second term recommended designating the Tren de Aragua gang as a foreign terrorist organization, along with other criminal groups like MS-13 and Mexican drug cartels.
The gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison, has expanded its operations beyond Venezuela, including into the United States. While primarily involved in human trafficking, Tren de Aragua has also been linked to extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and drug smuggling.
According to the US Department of the Treasury, Tren de Aragua has spread its criminal activities to countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, and Peru. Retired Gen. Óscar Naranjo of Colombia has described the gang as one of the most disruptive criminal organizations in Latin America.
The Biden administration designated Tren de Aragua as a significant transnational criminal organization in July. The gang has been involved in sex trafficking networks in Colombia, exploiting Venezuelan migrants and displaced Colombians.
Despite efforts to dismantle the gang's leadership in Venezuela, Tren de Aragua continues to pose a threat, with members operating in the US. Law enforcement officials are facing challenges in tracking the group's activities and members within the country.
Tren de Aragua, also known as 'TdA,' has its origins in railway unions and prison operations dating back to the early 2010s. The gang's leaders controlled the notorious Tocorón prison in Venezuela, where they maintained a stronghold and engaged in criminal activities.
US authorities, including Customs and Border Protection and the FBI, have confirmed the presence of Tren de Aragua in the country. Recent incidents, such as the kidnapping of a couple in Colorado by alleged gang members, highlight the gang's reach and criminal activities within the US.
While US sanctions may have limited impact on Tren de Aragua's operations, efforts are being made to address the threat posed by the gang. The ongoing immigration crackdown and law enforcement actions aim to disrupt the gang's activities and ensure the safety of communities affected by its criminal operations.
