U.S. law enforcement strikes a major blow against the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, arresting dozens of members in New York City and Colorado.
At a Glance
- 22 suspected Tren de Aragua gang members arrested in NYC raids.
- 16 gang members apprehended in Aurora, Colorado, linked to violent home invasion.
- Gang involved in murders, assaults, robberies, and human trafficking.
- Arrests highlight concerns over border security and sanctuary city policies.
- Law enforcement collaboration crucial in dismantling transnational criminal operations.
Major Crackdown on Venezuelan Gang in U.S. Cities
In a sweeping operation, U.S. law enforcement agencies have dealt a significant blow to the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a dangerous Venezuelan prison gang that has infiltrated American soil. The coordinated efforts resulted in the arrest of 22 suspected gang members in New York City and 16 in Aurora, Colorado, marking a crucial victory in the fight against transnational organized crime.
The New York City raids, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the NYPD’s federal task force, targeted gang hideouts in the Bronx and Brooklyn. One of the most notable arrests was that of Jarwin Valero-Calderon, who was tracked via an ankle monitor to a Bronx apartment located alarmingly close to a daycare center. Valero-Calderon had a history of criminal activities across multiple states and had previously been ordered deported.
Colorado Arrests Linked to Violent Home Invasion
In Aurora, Colorado, authorities apprehended 16 suspected TdA members connected to a brutal home invasion and kidnapping incident. The attack, described by Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain as “torture,” targeted fellow Venezuelan immigrants, with one victim being stabbed. This case highlights the gang’s propensity for victimizing members of their own community.
“Individuals involved in this type of activity, they victimize their own race and their own ethnicity, and the reason they do that is because they know, because of their status, they will not come forward to police.” – Chief Chamberlain
The arrests in Colorado and New York City underscore the expanding reach of the TdA gang, which has been infiltrating the U.S. through the southern border since 2022. The gang’s activities include violent crimes, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, posing a significant threat to public safety.
Political Implications and Border Security Concerns
The successful crackdown on the TdA gang has reignited debates over border security and sanctuary city policies. New York City Council Member Joe Borelli expressed strong criticism of current policies that hinder cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
“This is a gang that set up camp in our city, and it is beyond the pale that the Democratic Party is entrenched against having the NYPD cooperate with ICE to remove them” – Joe Borelli
The gang’s activities have also become a focal point in discussions about U.S. southern border management under the current administration. The issue gained national attention when it was mentioned during a presidential debate, highlighting the broader implications of transnational gang activities on national security.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Actions
While these arrests represent a significant victory, law enforcement officials acknowledge the ongoing challenges posed by the TdA gang. The group’s expansion into sanctuary cities and their recruitment efforts in migrant shelters continue to be areas of concern. Additionally, the gang has a juvenile offshoot known as “Diablos de la 42,” which exploits lenient juvenile justice laws to engage in criminal activities.
As authorities celebrate this successful operation, there is a growing recognition of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The fight against transnational criminal organizations like the Tren de Aragua remains an ongoing challenge that requires sustained effort and resources to protect American communities from their violent and illegal activities.
Sources:
- Tren de Aragua gang members arrested in NYC apartment next to daycare facility
- Feds raid migrant Tren de Aragua gang house in NYC — after tracking GPS ankle monitor to hideout
- Scores of Tren de Aragua members arrested in Colorado, New York City during federal crackdown
