Introduction to Tren de Aragua and the Alien Enemies Act
President Donald Trump has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to speed up mass deportations of alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that he said is invading the U.S. The wartime act was last used as part of the internment of Japanese American civilians during World War II and has only been used two other times in American history, during World War I and the War of 1812. Trump argued in his declaration that Tren de Aragua has ties to the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Related: Judge blocks Trump’s use of 18th century law to deport migrants alleged to be gang members
Crime in The News
Texas government officials have also described Tren de Aragua as a “most dangerous and organized” group that poses a tier 1 threat to the state.
Understanding Tren de Aragua
Here’s what we know so far about Tren de Aragua and its presence in Texas.
Tren de Aragua began as a South American prison gang but is now an international organization known for extreme violence, extortion and human trafficking — and whose activities have expanded in Texas.
Though the number of members in Texas is unclear, the gang is believed to have recruited thousands of members in Venezuela and other countries, government officials say.
Related: Greg Abbott designates Venezuelan gang as a top threat to Texas
Why is Tren de Aragua Considered Dangerous?
Tren de Aragua is considered a tier 1 threat due to its extreme violence, extortion, and human trafficking activities. The gang’s presence in Texas has prompted law enforcement agencies to take action.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared TdA a “foreign terrorist organization,” prompting law enforcement agencies to designate the group as a tier 1 threat to the state. This designation marks gangs as a priority for law enforcement, and members of tier 1 gangs could face enhanced prison sentences and civil penalties.
Other tier 1 gangs include notorious prison gangs the Texas Syndicate and the Mexican Mafia, as well as the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, the Crips, the Bloods and the Latin Kings.
Law Enforcement Efforts to Address Tren de Aragua
Texas authorities are building a database and mobilizing a strike force made up of state troopers, Texas Rangers and local law enforcement to help keep track of the gang members.
Related: U.S. to pay $6 million to El Salvador to imprison alleged Tren de Aragua gang members
FBI officials in Dallas said in a statement it is “pursuing violent gangs with its local and state partners through its Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force and is working closely with the community to develop sources and generate leads.”
Evidence of Tren de Aragua Activity in Texas
A hotel in El Paso was temporarily shut down due to a spike in crime linked to Tren de Aragua gang members. Undocumented immigrants and gang members, including an “unspecified number of suspected members of the Venezuelan gang,” were arrested earlier this summer on assault, drug and prostitution charges.
Houston and San Antonio authorities announced the arrests of multiple people tied to Tren de Aragua in October. One arrest was made in Houston, while an apartment raid in San Antonio led to 19 arrests, four of which were alleged TdA members.
Dallas police said in October its department has had gang activity linked to TdA in North Dallas. Furthermore, three men with alleged affiliations with TdA were arrested in connection with an August homicide in Farmers Branch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tren de Aragua is a highly organized and violent gang that poses a significant threat to the state of Texas. The gang’s ties to the Venezuelan government and its involvement in human trafficking and extortion make it a priority for law enforcement agencies. The use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members is a significant development in the efforts to combat the gang’s activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Tren de Aragua?
A: Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan gang that originated in South American prisons and has expanded its activities to become an international organization known for extreme violence, extortion, and human trafficking.
Q: Why is Tren de Aragua considered a tier 1 threat?
A: Tren de Aragua is considered a tier 1 threat due to its extreme violence, extortion, and human trafficking activities, as well as its ties to the Venezuelan government.
Q: What is being done to address the Tren de Aragua problem in Texas?
A: Texas authorities are building a database and mobilizing a strike force to track gang members, and the FBI is working with local and state partners to pursue violent gangs and develop sources and generate leads.
Q: Where has evidence of Tren de Aragua activity been noted in Texas?
A: Evidence of Tren de Aragua activity has been noted in El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, with arrests made in connection with assault, drug, and prostitution charges, as well as a homicide in Farmers Branch.
