New York's National Guard is reportedly stepping up efforts to identify and screen arriving migrants for distinctive tattoos associated with a new violent Venezuelan street gang. These tattoos include symbols such as AK-47 assault rifles, the Nike logo of Michael Jordan, stars, and gas masks. The gang, known as Trinidad Aragua, is suspected of recruiting migrants claiming asylum to join their criminal activities in New York.
Law enforcement agencies are expressing concerns about the potential collaboration between the Trinidad Aragua gang and the notorious MS-13 gang. The National Guard and other authorities fear that members of MS-13 might be crossing the border along with the migrants, seeking to expand their criminal enterprises. The gang members from Venezuela are leveraging their legal status obtained through claiming asylum, using it as a shield to operate with impunity.
The incursion of gang members into the community raises alarm bells for both law enforcement agencies and citizens. The fear stems from the likelihood that these gang members, whether involved in internal gang violence or targeting innocent individuals, will bring an increase in crime rates. The situation has become so concerning that the National Guard in New York has had to implement specific policies regarding the use of force when dealing with these gang members on par with combat zone protocols.
Given the potential for turf wars between Trinidad Aragua, MS-13, and other existing gangs, authorities remain on high alert. The question arises whether Trinidad Aragua will attempt to establish themselves as the dominant gang in the region or form alliances with other criminal organizations. Currently, MS-13 holds a dominant position as the alpha gang on the East Coast.
The effectiveness of screening procedures is also a subject of concern. As diplomatic relations between the United States and Venezuela are strained, the ability to properly vet these migrants and ascertain their criminal backgrounds is limited. Detecting gang tattoos has become one method to identify potential threats, but there are concerns that gang members may have altered their appearance to avoid easy recognition.
It is crucial for the White House to be aware of this developing situation. The gravity of the matter necessitates coordinated efforts at the national level, leveraging intelligence capabilities to effectively address this growing threat. The lack of diplomatic relations with Venezuela complicates the process, as criminal record background checks cannot be conducted. The potential consequences of this situation underscore the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response from relevant government agencies to ensure the safety and security of both citizens and migrants in the affected regions.
