The New York Police Department (NYPD) is ramping up efforts to take down the violent Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), as it carves out a presence in New York City. The notorious gang, notorious for its brutality, has infiltrated the Big Apple amid a wave of migration, igniting fears as it spreads across the U.S.
Originating in Venezuelan prisons, TdA has grown over the past decade, arriving in the United States through the southern border, fueled by an increase in migration. This year, their notoriety surged as high-profile crimes tied to the gang made headlines. Now, they are expanding rapidly, and NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell reveals TdA is recruiting in migrant shelters by smuggling guns and drugs through food cartons.
Violence on the Rise: A City at Risk
“Do we believe there’s guns in the shelters that have a gang affiliation? Absolutely. Do we believe that they were being smuggled in? Absolutely,” Chell said.
The NYPD has tracked hundreds of TdA associates citywide. The gang’s willingness to engage with law enforcement has resulted in officers being shot, intensifying concerns across the city.
“They’re a big threat to the city,” said Chell. “We’re not new to gangs or crews in the city. So this is our newest crew. And what’s alarming about this crew is that their conspiracy to commit crimes touches a lot of areas, from retail theft to extortion to robberies to human trafficking, and the worst of the worst, they’ve shot two of our cops.”
Sanctuary City Status Raises Questions Amid Gang Threat
New York City’s sanctuary city policy, which limits cooperation between local and federal law enforcement, adds complexity to the situation. The policy was highlighted in 2022 when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bussed migrants to sanctuary cities, sparking a standoff between Abbott and Mayor Eric Adams.
The gang has also taken root in Aurora, Colorado, with reports of arrests and alleged takeovers of apartment complexes. Denver authorities have confirmed that TdA members were directed to open fire on law enforcement in July, following a viral video showing gang members armed and active.
Federal Crackdown on TdA Intensifies
The Biden administration is taking significant measures to counter TdA’s influence. In July, the Treasury designated TdA a “significant transnational criminal organization,” blocking its access to assets within the U.S. Meanwhile, the State Department has put out a $12 million reward for information leading to the capture of three key leaders. Despite these moves, immigration remains a hot-button issue ahead of the election, with both presidential candidates emphasizing their commitment to border security.
