The Dallas Police Department has confirmed the presence of the notorious South American gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) in North Texas, marking a significant escalation of the criminal organization’s activities within the U.S.

Known for sex trafficking and exploiting Venezuelan migrants, TdA has reportedly crossed into the U.S. through the southern border, blending in with asylum-seeking migrants.

This marks the first public acknowledgment of the gang’s operations in the Dallas area.

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Dallas Police spokesperson Jennifer Pryor stated, “We have had gang activity in the north Dallas area linked to the Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela.”

However, law enforcement has not disclosed specific details about the crimes associated with the gang due to ongoing investigations.

The department is working with other agencies to address criminal activity tied to TdA and other gangs in the region.

This confirmation follows reports of the gang establishing a foothold near the U.S.-Mexico border, just south of El Paso.

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Authorities in El Paso, Texas, are developing plans to address the growing threat posed by the gang, according to law enforcement insiders.

Tren de Aragua has gained notoriety for its violent and exploitative activities, which stretch from Venezuela to Mexico and now into the U.S.

Tren de Aragua’s operations extend beyond Texas. In Aurora, Colorado, last week, gang members were caught on video storming an apartment complex armed with assault rifles, banging on doors, and creating widespread fear.

The gang’s activities have been linked to similar incidents across the country, including Miami and New York, where they are reportedly involved in sex trafficking and other crimes.

The gang, which originated in Venezuela, has expanded its influence by taking advantage of vulnerable migrants.

According to a report by DailyMail.com, Venezuelan migrants associated with TdA have infiltrated food delivery and ride-share apps in the U.S., using fake identities to work illegally.

Many of these migrants do not have authorization to work in the U.S. or possess valid driver’s licenses, raising concerns about the safety of consumers using these services.

In North Dallas, the gang’s presence has been particularly troubling for the Venezuelan community. The area, known as Villa Dallas, has seen an uptick in violence and criminal activity linked to local gangs, including illegal street races, shootings, and extortion.

One video shared on social media shows a man being brutally beaten, while gunshots ring out in the background.

NEW: Dallas PD confirms the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua is terrorizing the city

Law enforcement has now confirmed the gang’s presence in North Texas, where rumors had circulated for over a year

‘We have had gang activity in the north Dallas area linked to the Tren De Aragua… pic.twitter.com/54PWnvPv1L

— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) September 4, 2024

Local residents have identified several individuals, including three alleged gang leaders known as Aron, El Pibe, and Chito, as being responsible for the chaos.

The gang’s origins trace back to the Tocoron Prison in Venezuela, where it operated under the leadership of Hector Guerrero Flores, who escaped in 2022.

Since then, TdA has moved its operations to Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from El Paso, Texas. From there, the gang continues its criminal activities, smuggling migrants into the U.S. and engaging in human trafficking.

In July 2023, the U.S. government designated Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization, highlighting the significant threat it poses to American communities.

Congressman Tony Gonzales, who represents the El Paso area, described the gang as “the epitome of evil,” noting that they are involved in crimes such as rape, murder, and widespread chaos.

The gang has a long history of exploiting vulnerable people, particularly Venezuelan migrants fleeing their country’s political and economic instability.

In Colombia, Tren de Aragua became known for extorting migrants and controlling human trafficking routes.

Now, in Mexico, the gang has continued these practices, charging migrants high fees to cross the border and kidnapping those who cannot pay, often forcing women into prostitution.

The situation in North Dallas remains tense, as law enforcement continues to monitor the gang’s activities and work with local communities to address the rising violence.

The Dallas Police Department has designated the Oaks at North Dallas, a known hotspot for gang activity, as a habitual crime property.

Officers have increased their presence in the area, holding meetings with residents to discuss the ongoing crime and work toward a safer environment.

While some residents have fled the area due to the escalating violence, others are staying, hoping for a resolution.

As law enforcement ramps up its efforts, the residents of North Dallas, particularly those in Villa Dallas, continue to deal with the fallout of the gang’s presence in their community.

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