URGENT Alert – They’re CHARGING Our Border!

At a Glance

The Mexican border state of Chihuahua is on alert for members of Tren de Aragua (TdA).
TdA members are reportedly moving through Chihuahua to cross into the U.S. near El Paso, Texas.
The gang is involved in human trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and drug trafficking.
U.S. officials and law enforcement are actively investigating over 100 cases involving TdA members.

Heightened Security Measures

El Paso has heightened its security protocols in response to the threat posed by Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang known for extreme brutality and sophisticated criminal operations. This gang has raised significant concerns among local and federal authorities. Measures are being implemented to protect the community and prevent the gang from establishing a foothold in the area.

The gang’s presence in the border state of Chihuahua, Mexico, has alerted authorities to a migration route through which TdA members plan to enter the U.S. near El Paso. Tren de Aragua is described as “MS-13 on steroids” due to its aggressive and highly organized nature.

Tweets by HSIElPaso

Criminal Activities and U.S. Sanctions

In July, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned TdA as a transnational criminal organization. The gang is heavily involved in various illegal activities, including human trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and drug trafficking. Additionally, the gang traffics people, particularly migrant women and girls, for sex trafficking and debt bondage, often killing them and publicizing their deaths to intimidate others.

“Tren de Aragua leverages its transnational networks to traffic people, especially migrant women and girls, across borders for sex trafficking and debt bondage,” the Treasury Department said in a statement. “Tren de Aragua members often kill them and publicize their deaths as a threat to others.”

With a reputed membership of 5,000 individuals, TdA’s violent activities in South America are now a significant concern for U.S. law enforcement officials. These officials are investigating over 100 cases involving suspected TdA members, ranging from sex trafficking operations in Louisiana to the shooting of two New York City police officers. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is actively addressing these issues in ongoing probes.

This is where leadership and aggressive action is required. State police and/or military assets must take this complex back. Armed action is required. We cannot allow criminal thugs to operate freely in our nation. Our civilization is in the crosshairs of these dangerous gangs.… https://t.co/fSJvY1uQ2J

— Bill Spadea (@BillSpadea) August 29, 2024

Challenges for U.S. Border Security

The infiltration of TdA members poses a significant challenge for U.S. border security. Unlike other gangs known for recognizable tattoos, TdA members are less identifiable, complicating law enforcement efforts. Issues are further exacerbated by strained relations between the U.S. and Venezuela, making it difficult for officials to access criminal records from Venezuelan migrants.

With the Biden administration seeing a surge in migrants—800,000 Venezuelans attempting to cross since 2021—the situation demands immediate attention. Over 330,000 Venezuelans crossed the U.S. border last year without cooperation from Venezuela on providing criminal data or accepting deported nationals, complicating efforts to screen incoming individuals.

“They’re extremely aggressive. It’s not as if they’re a passive group, or they want to quietly go about things,” said Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, in a phone interview with Fox News Digital. “They’re coming from Venezuela, one of the most war-torn countries over the last decade. So, they’re battle-hardened in many ways. And they’ve made this trek from there to here. But they are also becoming more organized and more brazen.”

Future Implications

The continuing threat posed by Tren de Aragua highlights the critical importance of robust border security and comprehensive strategies to combat violent transnational criminal entities. Authorities on both sides of the border are on high alert, working ceaselessly to prevent the gang from exploiting migrant routes and solidifying their presence in the U.S.

Given the ongoing influx of migrants and the complexities of the current situation, it is vital for law enforcement and immigration officials to adapt rapidly and effectively. Ensuring the safety of American communities must remain a top priority.