Investigative Report: The Rising Tide of Tren de Aragua Across America
In an alarming development, the Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua (TdA) is reportedly expanding its criminal footprint across the United States, with experts predicting a significant escalation by February next year. Described by some as “the epitome of evil” and likened to “MS-13 on steroids,” the gang’s presence has been confirmed in 18 states, stretching from urban hubs like New York and Texas to the more isolated regions of North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.
Our investigation, based on exclusive interviews and police reports, reveals that TdA has not only infiltrated but established strongholds in these areas. John Fabbricatore, former director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for Colorado and Wyoming, shared his concerns with DailyMail.com, stating, “We’re going to start hearing stories about them getting arrested everywhere.” He estimates that by February, the gang’s influence could extend to over 25 states.
Originating from the notorious Venezuelan prison system, TdA members have used the influx of Venezuelan migrants under the Biden administration to blend into the U.S. Their identification often involves tattoos depicting trains, crowns, clocks, and AK-47s, markers of their gang affiliation.
In North Dakota, the gang’s reach has touched even the smallest of communities. West Fargo, with a population under 40,000, became the scene of felony theft involving TdA members. Henry Theis, 25, was arrested with $24,800 in stolen cash, linked to an ATM scam known within the gang circles as “jackpotting,” where ATMs are hacked to dispense cash. This operation involved at least two other Venezuelans, bringing the total cash recovered to nearly $100,000.
From coast to coast, the gang’s activities are varied and violent. In Aurora, Colorado, members have allegedly turned an apartment complex into a torture site. A couple was subjected to severe assault, including having their fingernails removed, highlighting the gang’s brutality.
In New York, the gang has reportedly recruited children from migrant shelters, forming a group known as the “Little Devils of 42nd Street,” involved in local robbery and intimidation.
The criminal activities extend to Texas, where two suspected members face the death penalty for the horrific abuse and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Houston. The case of Jocelyn Nungaray underscores the gang’s penchant for violence against the innocent.
Moreover, TdA’s presence has been noted in Florida, where a member was arrested in Miami, and in Utah, where a Venezuelan dissident running for office warns of unprepared local law enforcement facing this new wave of crime.
The Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement across states confirm the gang’s operations but often lack detailed public disclosures due to ongoing investigations. This reticence in information sharing raises questions about the extent of TdA’s infiltration and the readiness of U.S. law enforcement to counter this growing threat.
As TdA continues to exploit America’s economic landscape, viewing the country as a “big money pit,” the implications for public safety and national security are profound. The gang’s ability to operate in such diverse geographical areas suggests a sophisticated network, possibly coordinated by leaders still at large, potentially from outside the U.S.
This investigation calls for a critical examination of border policies, immigration vetting processes, and the coordination between federal and local law enforcement to tackle what could become one of the most pressing criminal challenges in the coming year.