Law enforcement officials across the United States are raising alarms about the growing threat posed by an ultra-violent Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua, which has increasingly been causing chaos on the U.S. side of the border. According to a coalition of sheriffs from various states, the gang has received orders, or a “green light,” to attack law enforcement officers in the U.S., escalating concerns about their influence and reach.
The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, led by Clint McDonald, has been particularly vocal about the dangers posed by this gang. McDonald notes that members of Tren de Aragua began appearing at the Texas border in March of last year, infiltrating the U.S. through illegal immigration channels. Since then, the gang has been implicated in a series of high-profile crimes, with their activities stretching from Dallas to Miami and New York.
The gang’s violent reputation precedes them, with roots in Venezuela’s prison system where they established themselves as a powerful criminal network. The U.S. Treasury Department has recognized the severity of the threat, designating Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization. This designation reflects the gang’s extensive criminal operations, which include drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling.
Despite these warnings, McDonald and other law enforcement leaders express frustration with what they perceive as a lack of adequate response from federal authorities. McDonald fears that the White House is not taking the threat seriously enough, leaving local law enforcement and border security vulnerable. He emphasizes that if gang members are willing to target police officers, the broader public is at even greater risk.
As the situation at the border intensifies, law enforcement agencies are calling for more robust federal support and resources to combat the growing influence of Tren de Aragua. The gang’s presence in the U.S. is a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing border security and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address this escalating threat.
