35 Facts About Tren De Aragua

Origins and Founding

Tren de Aragua, a name that strikes fear across Latin America, began its journey in the early 2010s. This criminal organization has grown from its roots in a Venezuelan prison to a transnational menace.

1. Tren de Aragua was born in the early 2010s within the Aragua Penitentiary Centre, also known as Tocorón prison, in Venezuela.
2. The collapse of Venezuela's prison system and the dire humanitarian situation made recruitment for the gang relatively easy.

Membership and Structure

Understanding the inner workings of Tren de Aragua reveals a highly organized and hierarchical structure. This setup has allowed it to expand and maintain control over its members.

3. The gang is estimated to have between 3,000 and 5,000 members.
4. Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias "Niño Guerrero," leads the organization.
5. Leadership includes Larry Amaury Alvárez Núñez, alias "Larry Chaga," and Yohan José Romero, alias "Johan Petrica," who call themselves "the three daddies."

Criminal Activities

Tren de Aragua's portfolio of crimes is vast and varied, making it a versatile and dangerous organization.

6. The gang engages in drug trafficking, illegal mining, extortion, migrant smuggling, trafficking of women for sexual exploitation, and kidnapping.
7. Their adaptability allows them to exploit new criminal opportunities quickly.

Geographical Presence

From its Venezuelan roots, Tren de Aragua has spread its influence far and wide, reaching multiple countries and even the United States.

8. The gang operates in more than half of Venezuela's states.
9. Cells have been established in at least eight Latin American countries, including Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama, Costa Rica, and Chile.
10. Tren de Aragua has also expanded into the United States, with activities reported in Texas, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin.

Leadership and Headquarters

Despite setbacks, the leadership of Tren de Aragua remains resilient and continues to direct operations from various locations.

11. The leadership operated from within Tocorón prison until it was retaken by Venezuelan security forces in 2023.
12. Even after losing their headquarters, the leaders remain at large and continue to run the organization.

Alliances and Partnerships

Forming alliances with other criminal organizations has helped Tren de Aragua expand its reach and diversify its activities.

13. The gang has alliances with other criminal organizations, including the Primeiro Comando da Capital in Brazil.

Human Trafficking and Smuggling

One of the most heinous activities of Tren de Aragua is its involvement in human trafficking and smuggling.

14. The gang is dominant in human trafficking and smuggling across Latin America.
15. They traffic women across borders, including from Bolivia to Santiago, Chile.

Violence and Control

Tren de Aragua maintains control through fear and violence, making it one of the most feared criminal groups in the region.

16. The gang records bloody murders to send messages to adversaries.
17. This tactic has contributed to their ruthless reputation.

Financial Operations

The financial backbone of Tren de Aragua is as diverse as its criminal activities, ensuring a steady flow of revenue.

18. The gang generates significant revenues, estimated to be over $15 million annually.
19. Their financial operations include money laundering, bribery, and extortion.

Expansion into the United States

Tren de Aragua's reach has extended into the United States, posing new challenges for law enforcement.

20. The gang has reported activities in Texas, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
21. In Texas, they have been linked to human smuggling and other criminal activities targeting migrants.

Texas Crackdown

Texas has taken significant steps to combat the presence of Tren de Aragua within its borders.

22. In September 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization.
23. This declaration directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to mobilize a strike team to pursue the gang.

Denver and Aurora Activities

In Colorado, the presence of Tren de Aragua has been acknowledged, though officials emphasize that incidents are isolated.

24. Officials have noted the gang's presence in Denver and Aurora.
25. The gang has been linked to violent crimes, including armed robberies and human trafficking.

New York City Activities

New York City has also seen the influence of Tren de Aragua, particularly in areas with high migrant populations.

26. The gang has been associated with shootings, thefts in retail stores, street robberies, forced prostitution, and drug dealing.
27. Members often live or have lived in the city's migrant shelters, where they recruit new members.

Chilean Investigations

Chilean authorities have been actively investigating Tren de Aragua's activities within their borders.

28. Multiple investigations have been conducted into the gang's activities, including the trafficking of women from Bolivia to Santiago.
29. By October 2021, there were reports of four different investigations related to the organization.

Peruvian Clashes

In Peru, the presence of Tren de Aragua has led to increased tensions and violence.

30. The gang released a video threatening to kill Peruvian motorized taxi drivers who supported xenophobia.
31. This led to clashes between Peruvians and Venezuelans at the Gamarra Market in Lima.

International Recognition

The international community has recognized the threat posed by Tren de Aragua, leading to significant actions against the gang.

32. In July 2023, the Biden administration designated Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization.
33. The administration offered $12 million in rewards for the arrest of three leaders of the gang.

Texas Governor’s Statement

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has attributed the rise of Tren de Aragua in Texas to specific federal policies.

34. Abbott pointed to President Joe Biden's humanitarian parole program as a factor in the gang's increased presence in Texas.

El Paso Activity

El Paso has seen significant activity from Tren de Aragua, leading to numerous arrests and shutdowns.

35. More than 100 members were arrested at the Gateway Hotel on charges including human smuggling and possession of illegal drugs.

The Ongoing Threat of Tren de Aragua

Tren de Aragua is a powerful and dangerous criminal organization. Originating in Venezuela, it has spread its influence across Latin America and into the United States. With a membership of thousands, the gang engages in various illegal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling. Despite efforts by law enforcement, including the recent retaking of Tocorón prison, the gang remains resilient. Its leaders continue to operate, and its reach extends into multiple countries. The group's violent tactics and financial power make it a formidable adversary. As authorities crack down, the gang adapts, finding new ways to exploit opportunities. Combating Tren de Aragua will require coordinated efforts from international, national, and local agencies. The fight against this organization is far from over, and vigilance is crucial to mitigate its impact on communities worldwide.