Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that evolved from a prison faction to an international criminal organization, is now a central target for U.S. deportation efforts under President Trump. Led by Hector Guerrero Flores, this gang is implicated in serious crimes and has expanded its operations to multiple countries. It poses a growing threat to the United States, leading to significant law enforcement actions and concerns about its influence among Venezuelan migrants.
In September 2023, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro deployed 11,000 soldiers to reclaim the Tocorón Prison in Aragua state, which had been commandeered by a notorious gang. This gang, led by Hector Guerrero Flores, had transformed the facility into a quasi-resort, featuring amenities like a zoo and nightclub, but unfortunately, Guerrero managed to evade capture during the operation.
Tren de Aragua, the gang in question, evolved from a prison faction into a significant transnational criminal organization, as stated by the U.S. State Department, which has placed a $5 million bounty on Guerrero’s head. After numerous incarcerations, Guerrero reasserted control over the prison and expanded the gang’s reach to include illegal activities beyond its original confines, including control over gold mines and drug trafficking routes.
Having initially derived its name from a railroad workers’ union, Tren de Aragua has reportedly spread its operations to countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. The gang has shifted its focus from extorting migrants to more severe crimes including sex trafficking and contract killing, reportedly amassing a membership that Ronna Rísquez, a journalist, estimated to be around 5,000, with an annual profit of approximately $10 to $15 million.
President Trump’s administration has identified Tren de Aragua as a significant threat to the United States. He accused the gang of preparing a “predatory incursion” against the U.S., designating it as a foreign terrorist organization. This classification aligns Tren de Aragua with notorious groups like the Islamic State. Recent arrests of alleged members in states such as Texas and Florida have raised further concerns, with estimates suggesting around 600 Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. have ties to the gang.
As of 2023, there are approximately 770,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S., many of whom have received protected status. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported interactions with over 313,500 Venezuelan migrants attempting to enter the country in 2024, highlighting the urgency of addressing this evolving threat.
Tren de Aragua has transformed from a prison gang into a formidable criminal organization implicating international crime and posing a significant threat to the United States. With extensive operations outside Venezuela and direct accusations from President Trump, the urgency to confront such groups grows. Continued monitoring and action against these criminal networks are paramount to ensure national security.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
