The Alarming Rise of Tren de Aragua: A National Security Threat Rooted in El Paso

For years, whispers of a ruthless Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), echoed within the ranks of the FBI and Border Patrol in El Paso. Their warnings, initially dismissed as hyperbole, have now solidified into a stark reality: TdA is a national security threat that has infiltrated cities across the United States. This evolution from local concern to national alarm is a story of dedicated agents, bureaucratic hurdles, and the devastating consequences of a criminal organization’s unchecked growth.

The story begins in El Paso, where the influx of migrants, particularly Venezuelans, provided fertile ground for TdA to take root. As the number of Venezuelan migrants surged in late 2022 and peaked in 2023, with over 71,000 crossings in the El Paso sector alone, criminal elements seized the opportunity to blend into the flow. Interim Chief Patrol Agent for the El Paso Sector Walter Slosar described the situation, stating that at times, thousands of people were arriving each day, creating a chaotic environment that criminals readily exploited.

Recognizing the potential threat, agents in El Paso collaborated with the FBI’s local field office to gather intelligence on this emerging gang. This task was monumental, as support from Venezuela was virtually nonexistent. Tim Sullivan, the chief patrol agent for the U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations Group, emphasized the uphill battle they faced. Agents had to start from scratch, diligently building their knowledge base through relentless research and partnerships with federal counterparts.

The FBI’s El Paso field office played a crucial role in unraveling the intricacies of TdA. Assistant Special Agent in Charge Britton Boyd highlighted the hundreds of hours spent interviewing individuals crossing the border, piecing together information about the gang’s structure, operations, and intentions. Border Patrol agents and the FBI meticulously learned to identify TdA members, noting their distinctive tattoos and specific behaviors.

While some have drawn comparisons between TdA and MS-13, the FBI in El Paso vehemently asserted that TdA is a distinct and far more complex entity. El Paso FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales explained that Tren de Aragua operates with a unique network, employing sophisticated methods of extortion and exploitation. While acknowledging some similarities, Morales insisted that TdA is "a completely different animal."

The violence associated with TdA is deeply concerning. FBI and Border Patrol leaders underscored the gang’s blatant disregard for human life and the law. They painted a grim picture of TdA’s involvement in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, and modern slavery. Border Patrol Special Operations Supervisor Hamid Nikseresht detailed the gang’s willingness to engage in sex trafficking, theft (including high-end retail theft), and any form of violence to generate revenue.

Despite the growing evidence and mounting concerns voiced by agents on the ground, recognition of TdA as a serious threat was slow to materialize. Many initially dismissed the warnings from FBI and Border Patrol agents in El Paso. Even the mayor of El Paso initially downplayed the issue, suggesting that claims of the gang’s involvement in criminal activity, such as at the Gateway Hotel in downtown El Paso, were exaggerated. The Gateway Hotel ultimately had to shut down due to criminal activity.

Morales refuted these claims, asserting that the situation at the Gateway was "not an exaggeration." He emphasized the importance of understanding the true nature of the threat, stating that Tren de Aragua has no limits or boundaries and that once they establish a foothold, they are difficult to stop.

The turning point came when TdA’s criminal enterprise began to spread across the United States, infiltrating cities far beyond the border region. Slosar noted that this expansion served as a wake-up call, prompting higher-level officials to finally take the threat seriously. The El Paso field office recognized early on that TdA would follow migrant pathways, strategically selecting new cities to infiltrate and expand their network. Morales warned that the gang’s modus operandi involves targeting the most vulnerable populations in the communities they infiltrate.

Finally, under the Trump administration, the efforts of the FBI and Border Patrol in El Paso gained traction. The Trump administration recognized TdA as a national security threat, providing crucial support and resources to combat the gang’s activities. Sullivan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fully execute their duties, stating that law enforcement personnel were now enabled and encouraged to protect their communities. Boyd described this moment as transformative, signifying a renewed commitment to empowering law enforcement to safeguard the country.

The story of Tren de Aragua is a cautionary tale about the importance of heeding the warnings of those on the front lines and the potential consequences of underestimating the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations. The dedication and perseverance of the FBI and Border Patrol agents in El Paso ultimately brought the gang’s activities to light, paving the way for a more concerted effort to dismantle TdA’s network and protect communities across the United States. The fight is far from over, but the recognition of TdA as a national security threat marks a significant step forward in addressing this complex and evolving challenge.