Authorities Warn of Escalating Threat As Venezuelan Gang Tren de Aragua Expands Across U.S.[WATCH]

Authorities are raising alarms about the rapid expansion of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a violent Venezuelan gang described as “MS-13 on steroids.”

The gang, already operating in at least 18 states, is projected to have a presence in more than half the country by February, according to law enforcement experts.

Tren de Aragua has established footholds in both rural and urban areas, including Colorado, North Dakota, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming.

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The gang also maintains strongholds in major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago, and cities across Texas.

Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director for Colorado and Wyoming, John Fabbricatore, spoke about the gang’s rapid spread.

“They’re in 17 states now. I wouldn’t be surprised if by February, that’s higher than 25,” Fabbricatore told DailyMail.com.

The gang originated in Venezuela’s prison system and has infiltrated the U.S. via the southern border, hidden among the one million Venezuelan migrants who entered the country under the Biden-Harris administration.

TdA members are often identified by tattoos featuring trains, crowns, clocks, and AK-47s.

Last month, authorities in West Fargo, North Dakota, arrested three suspected TdA members, including 25-year-old Henry Theis, who was found with $24,800 in cash.

Theis admitted to working with accomplices to hack ATMs using a virus to steal money.

Two other Venezuelan suspects, Jefferson Rodriguez-Quintero and Ryber Sanchez, were also arrested in connection with the scheme.

West Fargo, ND Police Chief Pete Nielsen told NYP that he begged the Federal Government for help after Tren de Aragua members came to his city, and they basically ignored him.

North Dakota is now the 17th state with a Tren de Aragua presence.

January 20th can’t come soon… pic.twitter.com/oYOccEvE2l

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 15, 2024

Fabbricatore explained the gang’s operations: “To them, everything in the U.S. is just dollar signs. It doesn’t matter how remote, whether it’s North Dakota or somewhere else. There are ATMs, jewelry stores, and homes to rob.”

In Houston, Texas, two alleged TdA members, Franklin Pena, 26, and Johan Martinez-Rangel, 22, face capital murder charges for the rape and killing of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in June.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg confirmed that the state would seek the death penalty if the suspects are found guilty.

Remember when Trump stated that other countries are not sending their “best and brightest”?

A 32-year-old illeg*l from Venezuela was arrested by Texas DPS for recruiting Houston middle school students. The shoplifting ring he was recruiting for is the gang Tren de Aragua. pic.twitter.com/70uQUGJ0Ld

— Steve (@SteveLovesAmmo) October 14, 2024

San Antonio, Texas, authorities have reported that TdA members have taken over several apartment complexes, using them for criminal activities.

Tren de Aragua gang have been operating in San Antonio for months. Last week police raided an apartment complex and a few members were arrested.

Today DailyMail reported that the gang has now seized control of an additional 3 complexes.

Kamala’s America. pic.twitter.com/rMGJVdJ8Da

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 16, 2024

In December, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a 19-year-old TdA member in Miami, Florida.

The suspect, a Venezuelan national, had previously been detained for illegal entry in 2022.

He was taken into custody near West Palm Beach, not far from President-elect Donald Trump’s residence.

The Tren de Aragua has committed more than 100 crimes throughout the United States. They are operating in South Florida –and Biden’s open borders are responsible! pic.twitter.com/NKXD6US6ob

— María Elvira Salazar (@MaElviraSalazar) June 19, 2024

In Salt Lake City, Utah, Venezuelan dissident Carlos Moreno, who is running for office, warned of the gang’s presence in Utah.

TdA has been linked to crimes including a prostitution ring and a shooting. “Our law enforcement people are not ready yet to face these kinds of gangs,” Moreno told The New York Post.

TdA has been accused of a wide range of violent crimes, including murders, sex trafficking, and attacks on law enforcement.

Earlier this year, reports revealed that the gang had taken over apartment complexes in Aurora, Colorado, using them as sites for torture.

BREAKING: Newly released video shows armed gang of Venezuelan illegals take over apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado.

Aurora, a quiet community with a population of 390,000 has become a base of operations for the brutal Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which already has… pic.twitter.com/mNW8FF5mXa

— I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) August 28, 2024

In one incident, a couple was held hostage, pistol-whipped, and tortured by gang members.

In New York, TdA has reportedly recruited children as young as 11 from migrant shelters, forming a group known as the “Little Devils of 42nd Street.”

These child recruits have been involved in robberies and violent crimes, according to law enforcement.

VENEZUELAN GANGS TARGET MIGRANT CHILDREN IN NYC

The NYPD has identified 39 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and a subgroup, the Little Devils of 42nd Street, operating in migrant shelters and recruiting children as young as 11 for crimes like armed robberies and… pic.twitter.com/KUywEeULa8

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 25, 2024

Authorities across the U.S. are now working to combat the growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua.

Fabbricatore warned of the challenges ahead: “They look at the United States as one big money pit. Everything is an opportunity for them to exploit.”

I was interviewed for this report. Mark my words: You will see many more high-profile crimes committed by TdA and other criminals that have entered over the last four years. Jan. 20th can’t come fast enough, but we have already been invaded. https://t.co/EHJnvakzur

— John Fabbricatore (@JohnE_Fabb) December 29, 2024

As TdA continues to expand its reach, law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to address the gang’s activities and protect communities nationwide.

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