Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang, is exploiting the transition in U.S. governance. Armed and dangerous, they aim to breach the border at El Paso. With President-elect Donald Trump about to enforce stricter immigration policies, the gang is strategically targeting what it perceives as a vulnerable point in the transition period. How will border officials respond to this brazen attempt to penetrate U.S. soil?
Gang Activity at the El Paso Border
The Tren de Aragua gang operates with alarming intent. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, gang members carrying knives and other weapons have already attempted to cross into the United States. These attempts are not isolated; the gang has been making efforts consistently.
A leaked memo indicates that another attempt could occur on New Year’s Day. An anonymous informant disclosed plans to “continue every night” and “cause harm” to those guarding the border. Recently, twenty gang members tried to breach the wall, equipped with broken liquor bottles and knives.
SCOOP: Knife-wielding Tren de Aragua gangsters are mobbing border crossings in El Paso in an attempt to break into the US — and have said they will attack border guards who try to stop them, according to an internal TX DPS memo we obtained.
Last week, 20 of the Venezuelan… pic.twitter.com/xkqOeLvwWX
— Jennie Taer 🎗️ (@JennieSTaer) December 31, 2024
Increased Law Enforcement and Tension
The gang’s strategy is to infiltrate the U.S. before the incoming administration tightens security measures. Victor Avila, a retired Homeland Security Investigations agent, remarked on the heightened violence, indicating the gang knows significant changes are coming. Texas Governor Greg Abbott classified the Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization.
Efforts have been reinforced to counter this threat. Additional state law enforcement resources have been allocated, and a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence is in place for gang-related activities. The gang’s association with Mexican cartels for smuggling operations compounds the challenge for law enforcement.
VENEZUELAN GANG MEMBERS TRYING TO ENTER US BEFORE TRUMP INAUGURATION – REPORTS
Members of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua are attacking border crossings in El Paso, Texas, to enter the US ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, the New York Post… pic.twitter.com/haYF4xtgfA
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 1, 2025
Broader Implications of Gang Infiltration
Beyond the immediate border conflict, the Tren de Aragua’s presence is being felt nationwide. They have a presence in sixteen states, including Montana, Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. Colorado, especially Aurora, has seen multiple arrests linked to the gang. Their reach is extensive and their influence concerning.
In March, over 100 suspected gang members were arrested following riots at the El Paso border when migrants confronted the Texas National Guard. This incident underscores the complexities border officials face amid such organized and aggressive illegal entry attempts.
Sources:
Exclusive | Tren de Aragua members attack Texas border crossings, trying to force their way into US