Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
The Rising Threat of Tren de Aragua: Insights from Border Patrol and FBI
The Tren de Aragua gang, originally identified as a national security concern during the Trump administration, has its roots in El Paso, Texas. This Venezuelan gang has garnered attention over the years from the FBI and Border Patrol, which have consistently warned about its escalating presence and influence. Their alerts went largely unacknowledged until its ramifications began to spread to various cities across the United States.
Recently, Fox News engaged in a revealing discussion with leaders from Border Patrol and the FBI in El Paso, the location where Tren de Aragua was first acknowledged as a serious threat. According to Walter Slosar, the interim Chief Patrol Agent for the El Paso Sector, it became evident early on that this was not merely another street gang; it was an exceptionally violent group with dangerous intentions.
FEDS BUST MASSIVE ALLEGED GUATEMALAN HUMAN SMUGGLING RING OPERATING OUT OF CALIFORNIA
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports that encounters with migrants are currently at some of the lowest levels seen in years. However, a notable increase in Venezuelan migrant crossings was observed at the end of 2022, reaching a peak in 2023 with over 71,000 Venezuelans entering the U.S. through the El Paso sector alone.
Slosar noted, “There were thousands of individuals arriving daily, and criminals quickly capitalized on this influx, blending in with the migrants.” This surge has raised concerns that criminal elements are using the chaos of migration to infiltrate the U.S.
Recognizing the escalating threat, Border Patrol agents partnered with the FBI’s El Paso field office to collect crucial intelligence about the operation of this gang. With little to no assistance from authorities in Venezuela, they undertook the challenge of establishing a detailed understanding of the gang’s workings. “It was an uphill battle,” remarked Tim Sullivan, Chief Patrol Agent for the U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group. “We had to build everything from the ground up with minimal external support.”
Through extensive interviews and investigations involving migrants crossing the border, particularly Venezuelans, agents learned to recognize members of Tren de Aragua by their unique tattoos and behavioral patterns. Although some observers have likened this gang to “MS-13 on steroids,” officials emphasized that Tren de Aragua operates under a distinct framework with its own methods of exploitation and criminal activity.
El Paso FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales pointed out, “Tren de Aragua functions through an entirely different network of extortion and exploitation. While there may be superficial similarities, their operational dynamics are fundamentally unique.”
CALIFORNIA COAST GUARD CAPTAIN SOUNDS ALARM AS MIGRANTS FROM ADVERSARY COUNTRIES INUNDATE PACIFIC WATERS
Both FBI and Border Patrol leaders highlighted the gang’s brutal disregard for human life and legal norms. The activities associated with Tren de Aragua include drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, and acts reminiscent of modern slavery. “The spectrum of their criminal enterprise encompasses sex trafficking, theft, and violent crimes,” observed Border Patrol Special Operations Supervisor Hamid Nikseresht.
It took considerable time for the public and government officials to grasp the severity of the threat posed by Tren de Aragua. Initial warnings were sometimes dismissed, with even the mayor of El Paso downplaying concerns after the gang was implicated in illicit activities at the Gateway Hotel, which ultimately had to close its doors due to crime-related issues.
Morales asserted that the gang has no boundaries or limits, stating, “Tren de Aragua is a tangible threat that cannot be underestimated.” Investigators noted that the gang’s notoriety only prompted greater awareness once its influence began to extend throughout the U.S., infiltrating various urban areas.
“When we began to see their criminal activities emerging in Middle America, it signaled to officials that our warnings had legitimacy,” said Slosar.
FBI and Border Patrol agents recognized that Tren de Aragua would likely follow migration routes to establish themselves in new locations, preying on local vulnerabilities. As Morales explained, “They target the most susceptible individuals in these communities.”
With the threat now acknowledged at higher levels of government, Border Patrol and FBI agents expressed relief that they have received renewed focus and resources to combat Tren de Aragua. Sullivan remarked, “We are now better equipped to fulfill our oath to protect this country.” Boyd added, “This represents a pivotal moment in U.S. law enforcement history, where we are empowered to safeguard our communities.”
Source
www.foxnews.com