Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua plans aggressive border crossings at El Paso before Trump’s inauguration, raising serious security concerns.
At a Glance
- Tren de Aragua gang members are attempting armed crossings at the El Paso border
- Texas officials warn of nightly break-in attempts and potential harm to National Guard soldiers
- The gang is rushing to enter the U.S. before expected stricter immigration policies under Trump
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott labels Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization
- The gang has established a presence in 16 states and D.C., collaborating with Mexican cartels
Tren de Aragua’s Aggressive Push at the El Paso Border
The notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is mounting a strategic offensive at the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas. According to a leaked memo from the Texas Department of Public Safety, armed gang members are planning repeated attempts to breach the border. This aggressive move comes as the United States prepares for a change in administration, with the gang apparently aiming to exploit the transition period before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The situation has escalated rapidly, with reports of 20 gang members, armed with knives and broken liquor bottles, attempting to force their way through a border gate. This incident is part of a larger pattern of violence, including increased gunfire near the El Paso border and confrontations with Texas National Guard soldiers.
VENEZUELAN GANG MEMBERS TRYING TO ENTER US BEFORE TRUMP INAUGURATION – REPORTS
Members of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua are attacking border crossings in El Paso, Texas, to enter the US ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, the New York Post… pic.twitter.com/haYF4xtgfA
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 1, 2025
Nightly Threats and Security Concerns
An anonymous informant has revealed a chilling pattern of nightly break-in attempts, typically occurring around 3 a.m. The source warned that these incursions would “continue every night” with the intent to “cause harm” to Texas National Guard soldiers. This information has put border security forces on high alert, highlighting the immediate danger posed by the Tren de Aragua gang.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the gang’s apparent awareness of the upcoming change in U.S. administration. Retired Homeland Security Investigations agent Victor Avila noted that the gang is acting with the knowledge that stricter immigration policies are likely to be implemented after President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
“You’re seeing that violence at the border because they know that it’s going to change in 27 days. It’s going to change. It’s going to be different, and they’re going to be sought after,” said Avila.
Texas Takes Action Against Tren de Aragua
In response to the escalating threat, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken decisive action, designating Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization. This classification allows for more robust measures to combat the gang’s activities. Abbott stated, “Texas is aggressively going after these foreign terrorist organizations of TdA,” signaling a commitment to enhanced border security and law enforcement efforts.
The state has deployed additional law enforcement resources to the border and instituted a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence for gang-related smuggling activities. These measures aim to deter further incursions and disrupt the gang’s operations within the United States.
Expanding Influence and Collaboration with Cartels
The Tren de Aragua gang’s threat extends beyond the immediate border area. Reports indicate that the gang has established a presence in 16 states, including recent expansions into Montana, Virginia, and Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia. Of particular concern is the gang’s foothold in Colorado, especially in Aurora, where they took over an apartment complex.
Further complicating the situation is the gang’s collaboration with Mexican cartels for smuggling operations. This partnership amplifies the gang’s reach and resources, making it an even more formidable threat to U.S. border security and internal safety.
Looking Ahead: Border Security in Transition
As the United States prepares for a change in administration, the actions of the Tren de Aragua gang at the El Paso border underscore the critical importance of maintaining robust border security during periods of transition. The contrast between the outgoing administration’s policies and President-elect Trump’s promise to strengthen border security is stark, with the gang’s aggressive push serving as a testament to the immediate challenges facing the incoming administration.
The situation at the El Paso border remains fluid, with law enforcement and border security forces on high alert. As the inauguration approaches, all eyes will be on how the new administration addresses this pressing security threat and implements its promised border security measures.
