According to a Texas law enforcement memo obtained by the New York Post, members of the Venezuelan migrant gang Tren de Aragua are reportedly engaging in aggressive behavior at border crossings and targeting guards with the aim of entering the U.S. before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
According to a memo from the Texas Department of Public Safety, a group of 20 Tren de Aragua members, armed with blades, tire irons, and broken liquor bottles, forcibly entered the U.S. at a border gate. It is reported that another wave of migrants is expected on New Year’s Day, as they become increasingly desperate to gain access to the U.S. before Trump assumes office again. Victor Avila, a retired agent for Homeland Security Investigations, has confirmed this information.
According to Avila, the violence at the border is a result of the impending changes that will take place in 27 days. He believes that the situation will be different and that individuals will be pursued.
According to the New York Post, Tren de Aragua is said to have expanded its reach to 17 U.S. states. This comes after one of its members, 25-year-old Henry Theis, was arrested in West Fargo, North Dakota in November. Theis, who was previously based in Dallas, was charged with felony theft after being pulled over for a broken taillight. An internal memo from Homeland Security alerted officials to the gang’s increasing presence in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Montana, and Wyoming. This adds to their existing presence in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
According to the memo, the gang is said to be expanding its presence in various regions, leading to an increase in their “violent tendencies.” Previously, they were involved in less severe criminal activities such as fraud and theft schemes. These illicit activities included sending stolen funds to South America to finance further criminal enterprises. In November, Tom Homan, appointed by Trump as the border czar, stated that the new administration possesses significant leverage to compel Venezuela to accept deportations. This leverage could involve the threat of additional sanctions and the withholding of $209 million in aid provided last year.
According to the New York Post, Homan expressed his confidence in President Trump’s ability to collaborate with the president of Venezuela, citing his successful efforts in getting El Salvador to take back MS-13 and Mexico to agree to the Remain in Mexico program.