Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization originating from a Venezuelan prison, has raised significant concerns among U.S. and Latin American authorities. President Trump’s executive order invoked the Alien Enemies Act against individuals tied to the gang. The Biden administration subsequently classified it as a transnational criminal organization, while the gang engages in violent activities including human and drug trafficking.

Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization originating from a Venezuelan prison, garnered notoriety through President Trump’s executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act targeting Venezuelan individuals linked to the gang. This order declared that these individuals, aged 14 and older, were subject to apprehension as Alien Enemies. Although Mr. Trump’s directive faced legal challenges, Tren de Aragua has been increasingly recognized as a significant security concern over the past year.

In response to the growing threat, the Biden administration classified Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization in 2024. The New York Police Department has also indicated the gang’s activities within the East Coast. Furthermore, in January, the Trump administration initiated moves to classify the group as a foreign terrorist organization.

Originating from Tocorón prison in Venezuela, Tren de Aragua was transformed by its leaders into a fortified stronghold. The prison featured amenities such as a pool, restaurants, and even a zoo, and violent acts like torture were utilized to exert dominance over inmates.

As Venezuela faced economic decline and heightened repression from President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, Tren de Aragua capitalized on the plight of vulnerable migrants. This expansion facilitated the gang’s emergence as one of Latin America’s most dangerous criminal enterprises, with a focus on human smuggling, drug trafficking, and sex trafficking.

Colombian authorities flagged Tren de Aragua in 2022 for at least 23 murders, following grisly discoveries of dismembered bodies. Additionally, alleged members have been detained in nations such as Chile and Brazil, where the gang forged alliances with Primeiro Comando da Capital, a prominent crime syndicate in Brazil.

In summary, Tren de Aragua has evolved from its origins in a Venezuelan prison to a formidable transnational criminal organization. Its activities have sparked significant concern among U.S. officials, leading to various governmental actions aimed at curtailing its influence. As the gang’s operations expand across Latin America, its notoriety continues to grow, posing substantial challenges to regional stability and security.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com

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