Venezuelan Gang Tren de Aragua Expands Operations to 16 U.S. States

The transnational criminal organization has been linked to various violent crimes and human trafficking across the country.

Tren de Aragua, originating from Venezuela, is now active in states including Colorado, Tennessee, and New York, according to a DHS memo.
The gang has been implicated in crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violent assaults, often targeting Venezuelan migrants.
Authorities in Tennessee have reported a surge in human trafficking activities in major cities like Nashville and Memphis.
Texas has declared Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization, enabling law enforcement to take stronger action against its members.
The gang's expansion is attributed to increased Venezuelan migration and perceived lax border policies, posing challenges for U.S. law enforcement.