Tren de Aragua: A Transnational Threat and Its Impact on Venezuelan Migrants
Table of Contents
- 1. Tren de Aragua: A Transnational Threat and Its Impact on Venezuelan Migrants
- 2. A Rising Force From Venezuela
- 3. Expansion across Latin America
- 4. Emergence in the United States
- 5. Stigma Faced by Migrants
- 6. Recent Developments and Controversies
- 7. What is the potential impact of hyper-focused security measures targeting suspected Tren de Aragua members on the larger Venezuelan migrant community in the United States?
- 8. Understanding the Threat of Tren de Aragua: An Expert Interview
- 9. The Origins adn Expansion of Tren de Aragua
- 10. Tren de Aragua in the United States
- 11. The Stigma Faced by venezuelan Migrants
- 12. Recent Developments and Controversies surrounding Tren de Aragua
- 13. Future Strategies and Considerations
The Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, has become a growing concern for U.S. officials. The gang’s rise has sparked political debates and contributed to the stigmatization of Venezuelan migrants seeking asylum in the United States. President Trump’s recent executive order invoking the Alien Enemies act reflects the heightened anxieties surrounding this group,stating that Venezuelan citizens 14 years and older with ties to the gang “are liable to be apprehended,restrained,secured,and removed as Alien Enemies.”
The Biden administration labeled Tren de Aragua a transnational criminal organization in 2024, and the trump White house initiated steps to designate it as a foreign terrorist organization in January 2025.
A Rising Force From Venezuela
tren de Aragua, or “Train of Aragua,” originated in Tocorón prison in Venezuela’s northern aragua state. the gang transformed the prison “into a mini-city with a pool, restaurants and a zoo,” according to reports. They maintained control through violence, allegedly recording executions and torture.
As Venezuela’s economy deteriorated and the government under President Nicolás Maduro became increasingly repressive, Tren de aragua expanded its operations. Exploiting vulnerable migrants, the gang’s influence spread throughout Latin america, evolving into a violent criminal organization involved in sex trafficking, human smuggling, and drug trafficking.
Expansion across Latin America
by 2022, Colombian officials had linked the gang to at least 23 murders after police discovered “body parts” in bags. Alleged members have been apprehended in Chile and Brazil, where the gang reportedly aligned with Primeiro Comando da Capital, a major Brazilian organized crime group.
Emergence in the United States
Despite uncertainties about its size and capabilities within the United States, Tren de Aragua has become a growing concern for law enforcement. In New York City, the gang is reportedly involved in cellphone theft, retail theft, and dealing a synthetic drug known as Tusi, “that is often laced with ketamine, MDMA or fentanyl.”
Law enforcement believes the gang recruits members from within the city’s migrant shelters and has engaged in conflicts and alliances with other gangs.
Outside of New York, individuals linked to Tren de Aragua “have been charged with crimes such as shootings and human trafficking, mostly targeting members of the Venezuelan community.” In May 2024, a federal investigation uncovered a sex-trafficking ring where the gang was allegedly “forcing venezuelan women into sex to repay debts to smugglers who assisted with border crossings” across multiple states.
The gang’s presence in the U.S. became a point of contention during the 2024 election. Mr. Trump “falsely suggested” that the gang had taken over Aurora, Colo., during a presidential debate.
Stigma Faced by Migrants
the Trump administration has emphasized Tren de Aragua in its deportation efforts.Though, Venezuelan migrants seeking asylum report that the gang’s presence and related discussions have created “hurtful stigma and discrimination” against them.
Evelyn Velasquez, a 33-year-old Venezuelan woman, stated in September, “Any of us who have tattoos, they think that we are Tren de Aragua…I’ll go apply for a job and when they hear that we are Venezuelan, they turn us down.”
Recent Developments and Controversies
In February 2025, the White House press secretary announced that 10 men “detained and housed in Guantánamo Bay” were members of Tren de Aragua. Though, the sister of one of the detainees “said that he was not a gang member,” highlighting the potential for misidentification and the complexities of these cases.
Also, in February 2025, the Trump administration emptied two detention sites previously used to hold 177 Venezuelans.
The evolving situation with tren de Aragua presents both challenges and opportunities. while the threat posed by the gang must be addressed with robust law enforcement strategies and international cooperation, it is equally important to avoid broad generalizations and ensure fair treatment of Venezuelan migrants. Further research and community engagement are crucial to understanding the nuances of this issue and developing effective solutions that uphold both security and human rights.
What is the potential impact of hyper-focused security measures targeting suspected Tren de Aragua members on the larger Venezuelan migrant community in the United States?
Understanding the Threat of Tren de Aragua: An Expert Interview
today, we’re speaking with Dr. Sofia Ramirez, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Latin American Studies, to discuss the growing concern surrounding Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang making headlines internationally. Welcome, Dr. Ramirez.
Thank you for having me. I’m happy to shed some light on this complex issue.
The Origins adn Expansion of Tren de Aragua
Dr. Ramirez, can you start by outlining the origins of Tren de Aragua and how it managed to expand beyond Venezuela?
Certainly.Tren de Aragua began within the Tocorón prison in Venezuela’s Aragua state. As Venezuela’s economic and political situation deteriorated, the gang seized the possibility to expand, exploiting vulnerable migrants and infiltrating various Latin American countries.Their business model quickly diversified into human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illicit activities.
Tren de Aragua in the United States
The article mentions the gang’s emergence in the United States. what’s the current scope of their operations here, and what are the primary concerns for law enforcement?
While the full extent of Tren de aragua’s presence in the U.S. is still being assessed, law enforcement is concerned about their involvement in activities like cellphone thefts, retail theft, and the distribution of drugs like Tusi, frequently enough laced with dangerous substances. There are also reports of recruitment within migrant shelters and alliances or conflicts with other established gangs.
The Stigma Faced by venezuelan Migrants
A meaningful point raised is the stigma faced by Venezuelan migrants due to the gang’s notoriety. Can you elaborate on how this situation has impacted asylum seekers and the Venezuelan community in general?
Unluckily, the association with Tren de Aragua has led to increased discrimination against Venezuelan migrants. Many report facing prejudice when seeking employment or housing, with some individuals unfairly assuming any Venezuelan with tattoos is a gang member. This creates a opposed habitat for those who are genuinely seeking refuge and a better life.
Recent Developments and Controversies surrounding Tren de Aragua
In early 2025, there have been some significant developments. As an example, reports emerged about individuals detained in Guantanamo Bay allegedly linked to the gang and the Trump administration emptied two detention sites previously used to hold 177 Venezuelans.What are your thoughts on these recent and controversial actions concerning Tren de Aragua?
These developments highlight the complexities and potential pitfalls of addressing the Tren de Aragua issue. Allegations of gang affiliation require careful investigation to avoid misidentification and ensure due process. Emptying detention sites previously used to hold 177 Venezuelans presents both challenges and opportunities; while it could signal a shift in approach, it’s essential that coordinated strategies are in place to manage any potential security risks and uphold human rights.
Future Strategies and Considerations
What steps do you think are necessary to effectively address the threat of Tren de Aragua while also ensuring fair treatment and upholding the rights of venezuelan migrants?
A multi-faceted approach is crucial. We need robust law enforcement strategies, strengthened international cooperation, and, most importantly, community engagement. Addressing the root causes of vulnerability that make people susceptible to gang recruitment is essential. We also need public awareness campaigns to combat the stigma faced by Venezuelan migrants and promote understanding and empathy.
thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for your insightful analysis. It’s a critical conversation as we navigate this complex situation.
My pleasure. It’s vital that we approach this issue with both vigilance and compassion.
What are your thoughts on the balance between national security and humanitarian concerns in addressing the Tren de Aragua situation? Share your perspectives in the comments below.