The notorious Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal organization known for its brutal activities, has expanded its operations across the U.S., including a recent wave of arrests in San Antonio, Texas.
Earlier this month, in a coordinated effort, law enforcement agencies arrested 20 individuals from a San Antonio apartment complex, with four of those arrested confirmed as members of the Tren de Aragua. This gang is infamous for its involvement in violent crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.
San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus provided some insight into the operation, revealing that among those apprehended was a key "enforcer" of the gang. He emphasized that this was only the beginning of a broader crackdown.
In response to growing concerns from residents about rampant drug activity, human trafficking, and threats directed at apartment staff, local law enforcement has ramped up their efforts to dismantle the gang's foothold in the area. McManus assured residents, stating, “We’re on to you, we’re coming for you, and we know where you are.”
The arrests are part of a larger picture of growing gang activity in the U.S. connected to Tren de Aragua, with recent reports from the Daily Mail suggesting that the gang has overtaken several apartment complexes in San Antonio, using vacant units as bases for drug dealing and sex trafficking operations.
Residents in these buildings have reported living in fear for months, as gang members allegedly use intimidation tactics to control the area. While the San Antonio Police Department has not officially verified all claims made by the media, the overall rise in complaints and incidents points to a significant problem.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has not taken these developments lightly. Last month, he declared Tren de Aragua a "foreign terrorist organization," warning that over 100 members of the gang had violently forced their way across the U.S. southern border.
His declaration underscored the growing threat posed by this criminal network, which he described as "a dangerous and deadly problem facing our state and nation."
Abbott made it clear that Texas would not tolerate the gang's attempt to establish operations within the state. “They have a target on their back, and we are going after them,” the governor said, vowing to protect Texas citizens from the escalating violence.