The Dallas Police Department has verified the presence of the infamous South American gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) in North Texas, signaling a notable increase in the criminal group’s activities within the United States.
TdA, notorious for sex trafficking and taking advantage of Venezuelan migrants, is said to have entered the U.S. through the southern border, disguising themselves among asylum-seeking migrants.
This is the initial public recognition of the gang’s activities in the Dallas region.
Dallas Police spokesperson Jennifer Pryor stated, “We have had gang activity in the north Dallas area linked to the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela.”
However, law enforcement has refrained from revealing specific details about the crimes associated with the gang due to ongoing investigations.
Collaborating with other agencies, the department is actively addressing criminal activity linked to TdA and other gangs in the area.
This confirmation comes after reports surfaced about the gang establishing a presence near the U.S.-Mexico border, just south of El Paso.
Insiders in law enforcement have indicated that authorities in El Paso, Texas, are formulating strategies to counter the escalating threat posed by the gang.
Tren de Aragua has become infamous for its violent and exploitative activities that span from Venezuela to Mexico and now into the U.S.
The operations of Tren de Aragua extend beyond Texas. Last week in Aurora, Colorado, gang members were captured on video storming an apartment complex armed with assault rifles, banging on doors, and instilling widespread fear.
The gang has been connected to similar incidents in various parts of the country, such as Miami and New York, where they are reportedly involved in sex trafficking and other criminal activities.
Originating in Venezuela, the gang has expanded its influence by targeting vulnerable migrants.
According to a report from DailyMail.com, Venezuelan migrants associated with TdA have infiltrated food delivery and ride-share apps in the U.S., using false identities to work illegally.
Many of these migrants lack authorization to work in the U.S. or possess valid driver’s licenses, raising concerns about consumer safety when using these services.
In North Dallas, the gang’s presence has been particularly troubling for the Venezuelan community.
The area, known as Villa Dallas, has experienced an increase in violence and criminal activity linked to local gangs, including illegal street races, shootings, and extortion.
One video shared on social media depicts a man being brutally beaten while gunshots can be heard in the background.
NEW: Dallas PD confirms the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua is terrorizing the city
Law enforcement has now confirmed the gang’s presence in North Texas, where rumors had circulated for over a year
'We have had gang activity in the north Dallas area linked to the Tren De Aragua… pic.twitter.com/54PWnvPv1L
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) September 4, 2024
Several individuals, including three alleged gang leaders named Aron, El Pibe, and Chito, have been identified by local residents as the ones responsible for the chaos.
The gang’s roots can be traced back to the Tocoron Prison in Venezuela, where it was led by Hector Guerrero Flores before his escape in 2022.
Subsequently, TdA relocated its operations to Ciudad Juarez, situated just across the border from El Paso, Texas. The gang persists in carrying out criminal endeavors, including smuggling migrants into the U.S. and participating in human trafficking.
In July 2023, the U.S. government classified Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization, underscoring the significant threat it poses to American communities.
Congressman Tony Gonzales, representing the El Paso area, characterized the gang as “the embodiment of malevolence,” citing their involvement in egregious crimes such as rape, murder, and widespread disorder.
The gang has a lengthy history of preying on vulnerable individuals, particularly Venezuelan migrants fleeing their country’s political and economic turmoil.
In Colombia, Tren de Aragua gained notoriety for extorting migrants and controlling human trafficking routes. In Mexico, they have continued these practices by demanding exorbitant fees from migrants for crossing the border and perpetrating kidnappings on those unable to pay, often coercing women into prostitution.
The situation in North Dallas remains fraught as law enforcement diligently monitors the gang’s activities and collaborates with local communities to address the escalating violence.
The Dallas Police Department has identified the Oaks at North Dallas as a habitual crime property due to its status as a known hotspot for gang activity.
Officers have bolstered their presence in the area and convened meetings with residents to address ongoing crime and strive for a safer environment.
While some residents have departed due to increasing violence, others remain optimistic for a resolution.
As law enforcement intensifies its efforts, residents of North Dallas—especially those in Villa Dallas—persevere amidst the aftermath of the gang’s presence in their community.
