Tren de Aragua: The Venezuelan Criminal Organization Infiltrating America

U.S. officials sound the alarm on the increasing presence of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua in America.

Introduction

The Tren de Aragua, once confined as a prison gang within the borders of Venezuela's Aragua state, has transcended its origins to become the most powerful criminal structure in Venezuela and the only local group to establish itself abroad. This gang has evolved into a formidable transnational threat, boasting a diverse portfolio of criminal enterprises. This gang is now infiltrating American soil and is spreading across the country dealing in drugs and human trafficking.

Expansion and Impunity in Venezuela

The rise of the Tren de Aragua can be partly attributed to prolonged periods of impunity, a situation fostered by the government under President Nicolás Maduro. This impunity, combined with strategic alliances and the absorption of local gangs in key Venezuelan territories, has allowed them to expand their influence drastically both domestically and internationally.

This transnational expansion was significantly fueled by the massive Venezuelan exodus. Operating from the Tocorón prison in Aragua, the gang managed and benefited from cells established in at least three other South American countries.

However, in September 2023, a massive operation involving 11,000 Venezuelan police and military personnel stormed the Tocorón prison, aiming to dismantle what had been the central hub of the Tren de Aragua's operations. Despite this significant blow, which resulted in the loss of their operational base, the gang's leadership managed to escape, and their international cells continue to function.

Historical Background of Tren de Aragua

Origins of Tren de Aragua

Tren de Aragua originated in the Tocorón prison, taking its name possibly from a defunct railway workers' union. Under the leadership of Héctor Rustherford Guerrero Flores, known as "Niño Guerrero," the gang transformed significantly during his incarceration there.

Within the notoriously lawless environment of Tocorón, where the Venezuelan government unofficially allowed prisoners to govern themselves, the gang flourished. Under Niño Guerrero's rule, the gang funded the construction of amenities like a zoo, swimming pool, playground, restaurant, and nightclub within the prison walls, essentially creating a fortified bastion of criminal activity.

Territorial Control

From its base in Tocorón, the Tren de Aragua began to exert its influence initially in the San Vicente neighborhood, establishing strict social control and receiving indirect government support via a so-called charitable foundation named "Fundación Somos El Barrio JK."

Post the 2016 assassination of the leader of a rival gang, Tren del Llano, Guerrero's group swiftly took over their territories in Aragua and parts of Guárico state. This expansion was facilitated by non-aggression pacts with existing local gangs, which, after being violated, allowed Tren de Aragua to consolidate further power.

Criminal Enterprises and Activities

As the gang expanded its reach, it diversified its criminal activities to include extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, contraband, illegal mining, retail drug trafficking, cybercrime, and theft. The push into transnational operations began around 2018, coinciding with the gang's move to establish a presence on the Venezuela-Colombia border, challenging major Colombian criminal groups over control of illegal border crossings.

These "trochas" have become hotspots for various illicit economies, including drug and migrant smuggling as well as human trafficking. The Tren de Aragua exploited the desperation of Venezuelan migrants, systematically extorting them, controlling human trafficking networks, and establishing a significant presence in border towns like La Parada in Colombia.

From 2018 to 2023, the gang entrenched itself in Colombia, Peru, and Chile, with sporadic reports indicating activities in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil as well. Their operations adapted to local conditions, often violently displacing existing criminal groups to take over lucrative territories.

Leadership and Structure

Niño Guerrero led the Tren de Aragua until the September 2023 raid on Tocorón, after which his whereabouts became unknown. His leadership saw the gang's rise from a prison gang to a transnational criminal organization, with cells operating across several countries, managed by a cadre of trusted lieutenants who are rotated between regions to oversee operations.

Geographical Spread 

Initially based in the Tocorón prison, the gang's influence has since spread across multiple Venezuelan states and internationally. They have established permanent cells in strategic border areas and major cities that are hubs for Venezuelan migrants, such as Bogotá, Lima, and Santiago.

Allies and Enemies

The Tren de Aragua has navigated complex relationships with other criminal entities, forming alliances and non-aggression pacts to enhance their operational capacity. They have clashed violently with groups like the ELN and the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia over territorial control, illustrating their aggressive expansion tactics.

Current Challenges and Outlook

Despite recent setbacks, including the significant raid on their home base, the Tren de Aragua continues to operate both in Venezuela and internationally. The ongoing regional crackdown has led to numerous arrests, potentially stymying their operations temporarily. However, the structural integrity of their organization and the deep-rooted presence across multiple regions suggest that dismantling this gang will be a formidable challenge.

As South America's authorities intensify their efforts against the Tren de Aragua, the future of this criminal empire hangs in the balance. Their adaptability and proven resilience in the face of adversity will play critical roles in their enduring presence on the criminal stage of Latin America.

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ

Q: What is El Tren de Aragua?

A: El Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan criminal organization with origins in a prison in Venezuela that has since expanded its operations across the Central and South America. They are now infiltrating America. 

Q: How did El Tren de Aragua originate?

A: El Tren de Aragua originated in a prison in Venezuela and has grown to become one of the largest criminal organizations in the country.

Q: What activities is El Tren de Aragua involved in?

A: El Tren de Aragua engages in organized crime activities, including gang-related violence and criminal operations that extend beyond Venezuela into other parts of Latin America and now the United States. Their activities include drug dealing and human trafficking.

Q: Why is El Tren de Aragua a concerning criminal organization?

A: El Tren de Aragua poses a threat due to its involvement in organized crime activities, spreading brutality and chaos not only in Venezuela but also potentially to the U.S. and other regions.

Q: What is the significance of designating El Tren de Aragua as a criminal organization?

A: Designating El Tren de Aragua as a criminal organization highlights the need for targeted efforts to combat its influence and disrupt its criminal operations in Central and South America.

Q: How has El Tren de Aragua's reach expanded beyond Venezuela?

A: El Tren de Aragua has expanded its operations beyond Venezuela by establishing connections with criminal networks in other countries, spreading its influence and activities across the region.