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EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: A dangerous Venezuelan gang is reportedly spreading its influence across the United States, described as “a slowly advancing cancer,” with potential repercussions for American society lasting for years, according to a recent analysis by a conservative think tank.
The Rise of Tren de Aragua in the U.S.
The Heritage Foundation has released an issue brief detailing the emergence of Tren de Aragua as a significant transnational criminal entity within the U.S., coinciding with an unprecedented crisis at the southern border.
Increased Migration and Gang Activity
“In recent years, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have been allowed entry into the United States through various means such as Temporary Protected Status or have entered undetected (the so-called ‘gotaways’),” states Simon Hankinson and Erin Schneiderjan in their report obtained by Fox News Digital. ”Among these individuals are numerous members of Tren de Aragua (TdA), which primarily targets its fellow countrymen.”
Origins and Expansion of TdA
The researchers trace Tren de Aragua’s origins back to Tocoron prison in Venezuela’s Aragua state, noting its expansion into countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and now into various regions within the U.S. They draw parallels between TdA’s growth and that of MS-13 from El Salvador during the 1980s—a gang notorious for its violent activities across America.
Strategic Alliances and Criminal Networks
“TdA has broadened its reach by forming alliances with other gangs while following patterns consistent with Venezuelan migration trends into America,” they explain.
A Stark Warning from Experts
The report includes insights from former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) acting Commissioner Mark Morgan who previously led efforts against MS-13 in the early 2000s. He attributes TdA’s rise to current governmental policies.
“While MS-13 remains one of over fifty gangs attempting illegal entry into our borders today, it appears that this administration has inadvertently facilitated what could evolve into MS-13 2.0,” he asserts.
A Documented History of Violence
“This gang is known for its extreme violence and brutality,” he continues. “TdA is expanding like a slow-growing cancer throughout our nation unleashing preventable crime waves that will persist for decades.” The study also references statistics indicating a 25% decrease in violent deaths in Venezuela between 2021 and 2022: “It’s reasonable to suggest this correlates with Venezuela exporting thousands of young criminals to places like the U.S.”
Cascading Effects Across Multiple States
This past year has seen numerous crimes attributed to TdA across states such as Georgia, Illinois, Texas, Colorado, and New York—where officials linked them to over sixty-two robberies just within New York City alone; some suspected members were arrested following assaults on law enforcement officers.
Tattoo Identifiers Issued by CBP
A March bulletin from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) alerted agents about specific tattoos associated with gang members; notably one suspect connected to Georgia student Laken Riley’s murder had ties to this organization.
TdA’s Growing Influence in Colorado
The gang has established itself prominently in various areas throughout Colorado, reportedly taking control over several apartment complexes while receiving directives allowing them aggressive actions against law enforcement personnel operating out of Denver.
Pledges from Political Leaders Against Gang Activity
With their increasing presence noted nationwide former President Trump pledged action against these gangs if re-elected next month announcing plans for “Operation Aurora” aimed at eradicating TdA members’ influence entirely.
He proposed invoking historical legislation—the Alien Enemies Act dating back to 1798—to dismantle “every illegal migrant criminal network operating on American soil”.
“Upon taking office I will initiate Operation Aurora at federal levels targeting these savage gangs using laws established long ago,” Trump stated recently adding: “Who would have thought we’d need such measures?”
Persistent Threats Beyond Reported Incidents
The Heritage Foundation report cautions there may be additional unreported crimes committed by gang affiliates; Trump’s running mate,
Senator J.D Vance , recently countered media claims suggesting limited activity confined only within certain apartment blocks.
“It’s plausible they maintain connections either directly or indirectly related not always visible even post-arrest,” warns their analysis emphasizing reported incidents might merely represent “the tip of an iceberg.”
This report was contributed by Brooke Singman from Fox News.
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