Rising Threat to U.S. Oil Fields from Unexpected Source

Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua raises concerns as it infiltrates U.S. cities, posing potential threats to national security and local communities.

At a Glance

Viral video of armed men in Aurora, Colorado, fuels concerns about Venezuelan gang presence
Federal authorities warn Tren de Aragua (TdA) is attempting to establish itself in the U.S.
Over 100 federal investigations into TdA-related crimes, including drug dealing and sex trafficking
Lawmakers push for TdA to be designated as a transnational criminal organization
Concerns about potential collaboration between TdA and MS-13

Venezuelan Gang Activity Sparks Debate in Colorado

A viral video showing armed men at an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, has ignited a firestorm of concern about the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) in the United States. The incident has drawn national attention and sparked a heated debate among local officials and law enforcement about the extent of the gang’s influence and the potential threats it poses to community safety.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman has taken a strong stance on the issue, contradicting his police chief about the severity of the situation. Coffman’s public statements have added fuel to the growing concerns about gang activity in the area.

“Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman appeared on national TV and posted about the Venezuelan gang on his Facebook page, contradicting his police chief about the severity of the situation, and saying the city was preparing to go to court to get a judge’s order to clear out the apartment complexes where the Tren de Aragua gang operates. However, city staff on Tuesday said that is not the immediate plan.” – Source

Despite the alarming rhetoric, some city officials believe the threat may be overblown. Aurora City Councilwoman Stephanie Hancock has called for a more measured approach, emphasizing that the situation is not as dire as some have portrayed it.

Federal Authorities Sound the Alarm

While local officials debate the extent of the TdA presence in Colorado, federal authorities have issued stark warnings about the gang’s activities across the United States. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the men in the Aurora video were affiliated with Tren de Aragua, lending credence to concerns about the gang’s expansion.

Is a Venezuelan gang really taking over a Colorado apartment complex? https://t.co/ELv8KYdDZW

— NBC 26 News (@NBC26) September 5, 2024

Federal law enforcement agencies have reportedly launched over 100 investigations into TdA-related crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, sex trafficking, and even shootings of police officers. These investigations span multiple states, highlighting the gang’s growing reach and sophistication.

“Keep your eye on this gang,” the chief warned. “Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!” – Source

Calls for Stronger Action

In response to the growing threat, lawmakers are pushing for more aggressive measures to combat TdA’s influence. Senator Marco Rubio has called for the gang to be designated as a transnational criminal organization, which would enable sanctions and asset freezes against its members and associates.

The Biden administration took a step in this direction by designating TdA as a transnational criminal organization in July, but some argue that more needs to be done to effectively counter the gang’s activities. Critics point to the ongoing southern border crisis as a factor in TdA’s ability to establish a foothold in the United States.

“Absent action, there is a very real chance that our cities will begin to resemble the Latin American communities in which Tren de Aragua rose to power: places where people do not go out at night, extortion is a part of everyday life, and fear of brutality, rather than respect for law and order, rules the streets,” he warned.

As concerns about Tren de Aragua’s presence in the United States continue to grow, it is clear that a coordinated response from local, state, and federal authorities will be necessary to address this emerging threat. The coming months will likely see increased scrutiny of the gang’s activities and renewed debates about the best approaches to safeguarding American communities from transnational criminal organizations.