Warnings are mounting about a potential turf war in Chicago between local gangs and members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, as the city grapples with increasing tensions driven by economic hardship, crime, and an influx of migrants. Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change founder Tyrone Muhammad recently highlighted the dangers during an interview on Fox & Friends, emphasizing that violence could erupt as Tren de Aragua encroaches on territories traditionally controlled by U.S.-based gangs.
The Tren de Aragua, a notoriously violent gang originating from Venezuela, has reportedly spread its influence into the United States. Muhammad noted that their arrival is generating fear among local gang members on Chicago’s South Side, many of whom are struggling to deal with what they see as unfair distribution of resources. “There’s growing resentment because these migrants, including gang members, are receiving assistance, while local communities are being neglected,” Muhammad said (Fox News)(YouTube).
Warnings of Gang Warfare
Muhammad is not alone in expressing concerns. Local gang members have reportedly noticed the growing presence of Venezuelan gangs, and fear that this could escalate into full-blown gang warfare. “We’re already dealing with crime, and now we have another layer of violence enteing our neighborhoods,” a local gang member told the New York Post (Fox News). Some have even noted that Tren de Aragua members are armed and increasingly bold, challenging the territorial control long held by U.S.-based gangs (Straight Arrow News).
Adding to these concerns, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows a significant decrease in the overall number of migrants arriving at the southern border, but fears are rising about those entering the country under the Biden Administration’s parole program. While the numbers may be down, many are concerned that some of the migrants arriving through this program include criminal elements like Tren de Aragua members, who may be exploiting the system to establish themselves within U.S. cities (Straight Arrow News).
Democratic Policies Under Fire
Muhammad also criticized Democratic policies, particularly those supporting sanctuary cities and immigration reform, as exacerbating the situation. He argued that these policies are not adequately addressing the challenges faced by impoverished communities already dealing with high crime rates, creating a dangerous mix. “We’re seeing disinvestment in Black communities while resources are being rerouted to migrants,” Muhammad said during his appearance on Fox & Friends. This frustration is further heightened by concerns that Venezuelan gang members are benefiting from social programs, while local residents feel abandoned (Fox News).
As these tensions continue to rise, the potential for violence grows, raising fears that Chicago could see a significant escalation in gang activity. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but the threat of a turf war between U.S.-based gangs and the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua looms large.
