As you may see in many of our arrestee’s articles, there are many gang members. One of the most well-known gangs is called Tren de Aragua. Originating in Venezuela around 2009–2010, TdA has evolved from a prison gang into a formidable transnational criminal organization. Initially formed within the Aragua Penitentiary Center, the gang expanded its influence beyond prison walls, engaging in various illicit activities.
Under the leadership of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, known as “Niño Guerrero,” Tren de Aragua has grown to over 5,000 members.
The gang’s operations encompass a wide range of criminal enterprises, including drug and human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, and arms smuggling. Their expansion has been notably facilitated by the Venezuelan refugee crisis, allowing them to establish a presence in multiple Latin American countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama, and Chile. In these regions, they have been particularly dominant in human trafficking and smuggling operations.
In recent years, Tren de Aragua’s influence has reached the United States. Reports indicate that the gang has established operations in at least 16 U.S. states, including Texas, Florida, and New York.
Their activities in the U.S. mirror those conducted in Latin America, involving violent crimes, drug distribution, and human trafficking. This expansion has raised significant concerns among U.S. law enforcement agencies, prompting increased efforts to curb the gang’s influence and activities within the country.
The transnational growth of Tren de Aragua underscores the challenges posed by organized crime syndicates that exploit migration patterns and political instability to broaden their reach. Addressing this threat requires coordinated international law enforcement efforts and comprehensive strategies targeting the root causes of such criminal proliferation.
