Tren de Aragua Gang Expands Violent Presence in U.S. Cities

The Venezuelan criminal organization has taken control of properties and engaged in illicit activities across multiple states, prompting political and law enforcement responses.

Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, is reported to have seized control of several apartment complexes in San Antonio, Texas, using them for criminal enterprises such as drug and sex trafficking.
Texas Republicans have called for a full accounting from the Biden-Harris administration regarding Venezuelan migrants, amid concerns of gang members entering the U.S. through relaxed immigration policies.
The gang's activities have been linked to violent crimes in various states, including a high-profile murder case in Houston and numerous arrests in El Paso and San Antonio.
Law enforcement in San Antonio conducted a major raid at the Palatia Apartments, arresting 19 individuals, including confirmed gang members, amid reports of intimidation and illegal activities.
Governor Greg Abbott has declared Tren de Aragua a 'foreign terrorist organization' and initiated a task force to address the gang's criminal activities in Texas.