The Rise and Reach of Tren de Aragua: Venezuelan Gang in Trump’s Crosshairs

Founded originally within Venezuelan prisons, Tren de Aragua has evolved into a formidable criminal network engaged in various illegal activities across South America and the US. With a hefty bounty on its leader and a growing presence in the US, the gang has drawn sharp scrutiny from US authorities under Trump's administration.

In September 2023, an unprecedented military operation took place in Tocorón Prison, Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro deployed 11,000 troops to seize control from Tren de Aragua, a gang that had transformed the prison into a luxurious resort-like environment. Under the leadership of Hector Guerrero Flores, who managed to escape during the operation, Tren de Aragua has emerged as a major player in both domestic and international criminal activities.

Initially a prison gang, Tren de Aragua rapidly evolved into a transnational criminal organization, with the US State Department offering a $5 million reward for Guerrero Flores's capture. After spending over a decade behind bars, Guerrero Flores turned Tocorón into a thriving criminal enterprise with restaurants, a nightclub, and even a zoo. Since then, the gang's operations have expanded significantly, including control over illegal gold mining and drug trafficking routes in South America's Caribbean region.

The name "Tren de Aragua" is believed to originate from a railroad workers' union in the region, which traditionally engaged in extortion and illegal job trading. Under Guerrero Flores's direction, the gang has stretched its influence beyond Venezuela, extending its reach into several South American nations, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. Activities have diversified to include drug trafficking, sex trafficking, contract killings, and kidnappings.

Estimates of the gang’s membership vary, with one journalist claiming over 5,000 members and annual earnings between $10 million and $15 million. Although smaller than some of its counterparts, such as the notorious MS-13 gang, Tren de Aragua has garnered a reputation for brutality, with allegations of murder and torture surfacing as part of its operations. Reports indicate that some members have impersonated police in Chile to carry out kidnappings, illustrating their intricate and violent methods.

Warnings about the gang’s potential threat to the US have escalated recently, especially with the deployment of the 18th Century Alien Enemies Act by Trump. Accusations have been made that Tren de Aragua engages in acts of "irregular warfare" against the United States on behalf of Nicolás Maduro. Additionally, Trump has designated the gang as a foreign terrorist organization, equating its actions with those of Islamist militant groups.

In recent months, law enforcement in states such as Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois has arrested accused gang members linked to crimes including murder and kidnapping. Estimates suggest about 600 Venezuelan immigrants in the US have ties to Tren de Aragua, with up to 100 believed to be active members. Currently, over 770,000 Venezuelans reside in the US, many of whom are protected under special government status. The growing number of Venezuelan migrants at the US border continues to raise alarms regarding the gang’s influence and reach.