The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on a Venezuelan gang known as Tren de Aragua, which has been linked to a series of kidnappings, extortion, and other violent crimes associated with migrants in Latin America and the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that Tren de Aragua poses a significant criminal threat in the region, targeting vulnerable populations such as migrant women and girls for sex trafficking.
Originating over a decade ago in a lawless prison in the state of Aragua, the gang has expanded its operations as millions of Venezuelans fled President Nicolás Maduro's regime. Countries like Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador have accused Tren de Aragua of perpetrating violent crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murders for hire, in regions with high murder rates.
Initially focusing on exploiting Venezuelan migrants through activities like loan sharking and human trafficking, the gang has evolved to collaborate with other criminal syndicates, such as Brazil's Primeiro Comando da Capital. The group is led by Hector Guerrero, also known as El Nino, who has a history of violence and escapes from prison.
The U.S. has offered a $12 million reward for the arrest of three Tren de Aragua leaders, including Guerrero and Giovanny San Vicente. Senator Marco Rubio has raised concerns about the gang potentially expanding its operations to American cities, as Venezuelan migrants, including suspected gang members, have entered the U.S.
The White House announced enhanced screening measures to identify known or suspected gang members, including Tren de Aragua affiliates. While Maduro's government has downplayed the gang's reach, recent arrests and sanctions indicate ongoing efforts to combat its criminal activities.
In response to the U.S. sanctions, a brother of the gang's leader was extradited to Venezuela from Spain to face multiple criminal charges. The Venezuelan government, led by Attorney General Tarek William Saab, is pursuing legal action against individuals involved in the gang's illicit operations.
Efforts to dismantle Tren de Aragua and disrupt its criminal network continue as authorities work to address the transnational threat posed by the gang. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented measures to prevent the entry of Tren de Aragua members into the country, aiming to safeguard communities from their criminal activities.
For more news on Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
