U.S. Sanctions Venezuelan Gang Tren de Aragua in Major Crackdown

The United States has imposed sanctions on the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, known for its extensive criminal activities across Latin America. This move aims to curb the gang’s operations, which include human trafficking, extortion, and organized theft.

The United States on Thursday announced significant sanctions against Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang with deep-rooted prison origins. Law enforcement leaders throughout the Americas have identified this group as a violent and exploitative criminal organization. Known for its involvement in human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, contract killings, smuggling, and organized retail theft, the gang’s influence extends from Panama to Brazil and along the Andean corridor, according to Latin American police officials.

The White House and the Treasury Department have designated Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization. This designation effectively blocks any of the gang’s assets in the United States that are controlled by foreign nationals. In addition, the State Department is offering up to a $12 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of its leaders.

“Tren de Aragua poses a deadly criminal threat across the region,” the White House stated. This announcement follows persistent calls from Republicans in the U.S. Congress, led by Senator Marco Rubio, urging Democratic President Joe Biden to take decisive action against the gang.

Despite these measures, some Republican politicians and U.S. immigration officials have raised concerns about the group’s potential operations inside the United States. However, Latin American law enforcement experts suggest that while there may be isolated cases, there is no substantial evidence of large-scale organization within the U.S. borders.

The Origins of Tren de Aragua

Tren de Aragua, led by Hector “Niño” Guerrero, has a history that traces back more than a decade. Initially operating out of Tocoron prison in the state of Aragua, about 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Caracas, the gang gradually extended its influence beyond the prison walls. The group’s name, “Aragua Train,” is believed to have originated from an early association with the railroad workers’ trade union.

Inside Tocoron prison, Tren de Aragua bribed guards to secure special privileges, effectively transforming the prison into a quasi-resort. The facility boasted amenities such as a disco, swimming pool, restaurants, a zoo, a gym, and a betting parlor for horse races. The gang’s control over the prison environment expanded its operations and influence.

Last September, Venezuelan police raided Tocoron in search of Niño Guerrero and other leaders, but they had already escaped, allegedly through a vast tunnel network. The gang’s leadership remains at large, with Interpol red notices issued for their arrest.

Tren de Aragua’s sphere of influence has spread across several South American countries, including Peru and Chile. In Chile, the group has been linked to sexual exploitation and contract killings, according to Jose Contreras Hernandez, chief of the anti-trafficking brigade of the Investigations Police of Chile.

In Peru, the gang’s presence was first noted around 2019, following the discovery of mutilated bodies, as reported by Colonel Victor Revoredo, intelligence director for the National Police. “It’s another level of cruelty and organization,” Revoredo said.

In Colombia, which hosts approximately 1.5 million Venezuelan exiles, Tren de Aragua has built a lucrative business involving stolen cell phones and accessories while also running prostitution rings, as stated by the Attorney General’s office.

The gang initially started by extorting businesses within Venezuela before branching out into human trafficking, capitalizing on the large number of migrants leaving the country. The gang’s female captives typically agree to pay smugglers’ fees, but when unable to do so, they are forced into prostitution. Contreras highlighted an operation in Chile where 60 women generated approximately 5 billion Chilean pesos ($5.5 million) within six to eight months.

Tren de Aragua’s U.S. Connections

Some U.S. politicians have voiced fears that Tren de Aragua could establish a presence in the United States. On March 25, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported the arrest of Adelvis Rodriguez-Carmona, a Venezuelan migrant identified as a member of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization.

In another case, U.S. prosecutors in Georgia accused Venezuelan Diego Ibarra, held on immigration violations, of being a member of Tren de Aragua. His brother, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is wanted in connection with the murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley, a nursing student found dead in Athens, Georgia, on February 22. Republicans have highlighted Riley’s death to criticize Biden’s immigration policies.

While individual gang members may have entered the United States, Latin American police sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to political sensitivities, stated there is no significant evidence of organized Tren de Aragua operations within the U.S.

The spread of Tren de Aragua’s operations across Latin America highlights the broader issue of transnational criminal organizations exploiting vulnerable populations. Countries in the region have faced increasing challenges in addressing the activities of such gangs, which often operate with a high degree of sophistication and brutality.

The gang’s involvement in human trafficking is particularly concerning, given the ongoing migration crisis in Venezuela and neighboring countries. As migrants seek better opportunities, they become easy targets for criminal groups like Tren de Aragua, who exploit their desperation for financial gain.

The U.S. sanctions aim to disrupt the gang’s operations and limit its ability to move funds and resources across borders. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on continued international cooperation and intelligence-sharing among law enforcement agencies.

The Path Forward

The designation of Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization marks a significant step in the fight against organized crime in Latin America. By targeting the gang’s financial networks and offering rewards for information leading to the capture of its leaders, the U.S. hopes to dismantle the group’s operations and reduce its impact on communities across the region.

For countries like Venezuela, Peru, Chile, and Colombia, the battle against Tren de Aragua and similar groups requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening border security, enhancing investigative capabilities, and providing support to victims of trafficking are essential components of this strategy.

As Latin American nations grapple with the challenges of transnational criminal organizations, collaboration with international partners remains crucial. The U.S. sanctions are a reminder of the need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to address the root causes of crime and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.

Also read: Edmundo González: Venezuela’s Unexpected Hope for Change

The sanctions against Tren de Aragua reflect a growing recognition of the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations in Latin America. By disrupting the gang’s operations and targeting its leadership, the U.S. and its regional partners aim to reduce the group’s influence and bring justice to its victims. The road ahead will be challenging, but with sustained efforts and international cooperation, there is hope for a safer and more secure future for communities affected by organized crime.