Venezuelan Street Gang 'Tren de Aragua' Expands in United States: Who They Are and Their Potential Impact

Tren de Aragua is a violent street gang that originated in Venezuela and has been tied to a number of crimes across the United States are now garnering increased focus sparked, in part, after reports they recently took over apartment buildings in Colorado.

Who are Tren de Aragua?

The gang got its start in Venezuelan prisons and over the past decade moved northward. However, Tren de Aragua's notorious reputation within the United States has grown over the past year after a number of high-profile crimes linked to the gang.

Many people believe the gang arrived in the U.S. by coming across the southern border as part of the sharp increase in migration in recent years, Fox News reported.

In March, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) bulletin was issued, alerting agents about tattoos and other identifiers of the gang. Federal authorities previously warned that Tren de Aragua was trying to establish itself inside the U.S., and they could potentially team up with the violent MS-13 gang.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) said the gang “has unleashed violence across Central and South America.”

He continued, "Now, we’re seeing more people coming across the border illegally with ties to Tren de Aragua. Until we get the border crisis under control, more and more bad actors will take advantage of the loopholes in our immigration system."

What has Tren de Aragua done?

Officials in New York have linked the gang to over 60 robberies in the city, and two suspected members of the gang were arrested in connection with a violent assault on two NYPD officers.

And in Georgia, the suspect accused of killing student Laken Riley has ties to the gang. And last May in Texas, 10 migrants affiliated with the gang were arrested.

"Keep your eye on this gang," Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens said at that time. "Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!"

What is taking place in Colorado?

At the same time, the gang has reportedly established a significant presence in parts of Colorado, Fox News reported. They were reportedly given a “green light” to fire on or attack law enforcement in Denver.

There have also been reports of the gang taking over at least two apartment buildings in Aurora. The New York Post reported that a landlord agreed to sell a troubled apartment complex that was taken over by Tren de Aragua.

The city officially has said there is only a “small” presence in Aurora and police told The Denver Post that “it’s still too soon to quantify TdA’s presence in Aurora one way or another.”

ICE has confirmed with Fox News that four known or suspected gang members were arrested by police in Aurora in connection with a shooting in July. These suspects are illegal immigrants who were caught and released at the border.

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What is the federal government doing about Tren de Aragua?

In July, the Biden administration took significant action against Tren de Aragua when the Treasury designated the gang a “significant transnational criminal organization.” By doing so, it blocked all property and assets owned by the gang in the U.S.

The State Department has also offered up to $12 million for any information leading to the arrest of three of the gang’s leaders.

Senior border officials have also told Fox News that stopping the gang's proliferation is a top priority.