In Colombia, ‘Tren de Aragua’ Leader Captured But Criminal Activities Already Present in United States

The ‘Tren de Aragua’ Muddying Asylum Issue

Initially, efforts to offer compassionate asylum for Venezuelan refugees fleeing the effects of a corrupt government and US sanctions had a clear cut impact. The idea was to permit some accommodation to these refugees in a policy reminiscent of wet foot & dry foot for Cubans.

The presence of a criminal group known as the ‘Tren de Aragua‘, initially established in Venezuela, has been a subject of contention across the Americas, but particularly in Colombia. Many citizens on social media platforms have accused the Venezuelan government of sponsoring this lethal group, despite opposing views from the regime. Given that the corruption in Venezuela is at such a high level, the implicit blessing of the Mexican government towards such a money making operation is likely.

Unfortunately, the way in which many of these gang members have broadcast their presence in New York has gone viral on social media. The image of Venezuelans has significantly deteriorated in the Americas.

Nevertheless, the amount of Venezuelans is comparatively low when taking into account how many Venezuelans have been permitted into Colombian in the past 10 years. These individuals now make up 10 to 20 percent of the population, but the Colombians do not typically institutionalize any discriminatory practices. They understand that the situation is dire in Venezuela. Below is the tweet from the Colombian president, for instance, which calls for some kind of social integration to mitigate and reduce crime:

Dismantling Claims and Rebuttals

Nonetheless, Colombia’s government and military has struck a blow on the leadership component of ‘Tren de Aragua’ arresting a known leader. They have claimed the band’s demolition using evidence from the arrest of the regional group’s leader, known as ‘El Salomón’. Critics counter these assertions, indicating one arrest does not equate to the entire group’s disintegration, especially given the ‘Tren de Aragua’s’ transnational operations and its branded, horizontal structured leadership. These are not strict corporate style hierarchies. Instead, they are connected groups who work in tandem for a given end goal or project.

The Sprawling Reach of the ‘Tren de Aragua’

Further concerns have been raised about the group’s infiltration into other continents, specifically with high-profile reports highlighting their increasing presence in the United States. The ‘Tren de Aragua’ is held responsible for a series of crimes, including drug trafficking, kidnappings, and forced disappearances. In February, members were involved in the brutal beating of two NYPD officers. They have also established a workflow for moving weapons into migrant shelters of New York.

Policymakers, law enforcement, and worried citizens continue to voice their trepidations and demand action against the group.