The notorious Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua, now infamous for sex trafficking, human smuggling, and dealing in drugs, has entered New York City, taking advantage of the inflow of migrants into the city over the last two years. Sources say this dangerous gang had been razing different parts of the city and especially targeting vulnerable neighborhoods worst hit by the influx.
The gang, called “Tren Aragua” which in Venezuelian is “train from Aragua” referring to a Venezuelan state is already setting up operations in the city smartly, selling guns on the street, prostitution rings, selling narcotics, and one of its deadliest operations, trafficking “Tussi” more colloquially referred as “pink cocaine,” a lethal mix of fentanyl with other synthetic drugs, which indeed adds to an already long list of public safety concerns in New York.
Criminal Operations and Tactics
The Tren de Aragua operates in the open, and their members operate on the blind side of the police; they even have begun to use food delivery companies as a cover for their nefarious activities. Members of the gang allegedly wear Uber Eats clothing and tote delivery bags around as they commit their crimes. The gang’s members have also been spotted riding mopeds, speeding about the city to commit thefts and armed robberies.
Yet law enforcement agents argue that even though Tren de Aragua has grown more visible, it hasn’t taken the town. “Not every migrant is here to commit crimes; not every migrant is a gang member,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said in a statement. And the gang has become expertly adept at spreading itself out within the migrant community, making that more difficult for law enforcement to root out.
Its activities have overwhelmed local resources, putting police departments on their toes. In addition to trafficking human beings and selling drugs, the gang’s activities have further exposed public safety, especially in neighborhoods that were already challenged by increased migration. Law enforcement has the ugly task of tracking down and arresting gang members, many of whom take advantage of the city’s shelter system and other migrant structures of support.
Authorities have arrested several members of Tren de Aragua. Sometimes, however, these thugs are surprisingly forthcoming about their crimes; they seem to feel emboldened to continue working despite the enhanced police presence. Federal authorities have been summoned by local leaders to address broader issues regarding immigration and border security that prompted the migration and then the return of gangs such as Tren de Aragua.
Public Reaction and Safety Issues
People in New York are getting increasingly restless as more citizens come forward to share their stories regarding this gang’s criminal activities. Despite the request from the authorities to not panic, they confirm that operations to dismantle this gang are underway. Citizens should be more watchful, however, especially at locations where this kind of case has been on the increase.
This, according to Chief Todd Chamberlain of the Aurora Police Department, is not an immigration issue, but a crime issue. “Gangs are present in every big city in this country,” said Chief Chamberlain, “but we’re not under control by gangs.” Federal and local authorities are working together in attempting to curb the influence of Tren de Aragua, he noted, assuring that New York will remain a safe place for all residents.
It was also observed that despite the seemingly complexity of its structure and secrecy, the tight and complex framework was a good advantage for the authorities to carry out further investigations.