Leaked Documents Uncover Surprising Threat Emanating from Venezuelan Networks

Leaked Documents Uncover Surprising Threat Emanating from Venezuelan Networks

At a Glance

  • Tren de Aragua (TDA) poses a significant threat, similar to MS-13.
  • Gang members have infiltrated various U.S. communities, including Colorado.
  • A DHS memo confirmed TDA’s presence, targeting law enforcement.
  • The gang has been involved in violent crimes, including murders and shootings.
  • Lack of cooperation from Venezuela complicates screening for criminal backgrounds.

The Venezuelan Gang’s Growing Reach

Recently leaked US Army documents highlight the alarming intrusion of Venezuelan prison gang members, particularly from the Tren de Aragua (TDA), into American communities. Compared to MS-13 in terms of threat level, this gang has successfully penetrated unsuspecting neighborhoods across the country, including Colorado.

TDA, originating from workers’ unions involved in an unfinished railway project in Venezuela, has expanded its operations to the U.S. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security memo confirmed the gang’s presence and its directive to attack law enforcement. Mayor Mike Coffman of Aurora acknowledged the gang’s control over several apartment complexes in the city.

The TDA exploited the border crisis to infiltrate the U.S., raising concerns among law enforcement officials. Over 7 million Venezuelans have fled their country, with TDA members hiding among them. Nearly 700,000 Venezuelan immigrants have been encountered at the southern U.S. border since January 2021. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has highlighted the gang’s threat on social media.

Gangs in American Communities

Armed Venezuelan gang members from TDA began terrorizing Whispering Pines Apartments in Aurora, Colorado, as early as November 2023. These individuals used threats of murder, intimidation, and beatings to take over the apartment complex. Their motives appear to involve moving gang members and vulnerable immigrant families into vacant units, using the apartments for illegal activities such as prostitution.

The gang has been linked to the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley by suspected TDA member Jose Ibarra. Federal law enforcement has over 100 investigations into TDA-related crimes, including drug dealing, extortion, sex trafficking, and shootings. Venezuelan government’s lack of cooperation complicates the screening of immigrants, making it difficult to identify gang members.

Authorities and Ongoing Efforts

Authorities, including the FBI, are actively tracking TDA with ongoing cooperation from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Senators Marco Rubio and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales are pushing for TDA to be designated as a transnational criminal organization. This designation would enable additional resources to combat the gang’s activities in the U.S.

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens warned, “Keep your eye on this gang. Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!” The Biden administration designated TDA as a transnational criminal organization in July, with the U.S. State Department offering rewards of up to $12 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the gang’s leaders.

Sources:

This is the dangerous Venezuelan gang infiltrating the US that you probably know nothing about but should

Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua used border chaos to infiltrate U.S.

‘Ghost criminals’: How Venezuelan gang members are slipping into the U.S.

Is a Venezuelan gang growing in the US? Colorado feels the threat.

A Venezuelan Gang Expands Its Reach into the United States

Colorado’s Aurora Reports Armed Venezuelan Gangs Taking Over Apartment Buildings

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