A suspected member of the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), has been apprehended near former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Florida. Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Dinise of the U.S. Border Patrol's Miami Sector confirmed the arrest on social media, highlighting the individual's Venezuelan nationality and prior conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. While the arrest occurred in close proximity to Mar-a-Lago, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson clarified that the incident did not take place on any of Trump's properties.
This apprehension follows reports of TdA's expanding presence across the United States. Originating in Venezuela's Tocoron prison, the gang is now believed to operate in 16 states, exploiting vulnerabilities along the southern border. TdA's criminal activities range from violent crimes like murder and robbery to drug trafficking and sex trafficking, posing a significant threat to communities nationwide.
These images from a Customs and Border Protection intelligence bulletin show tattoos and identifiers for Tren De Aragua. (ICE)
The gang's violent tactics have escalated as they expand their reach, including targeting migrant shelters and taking control of apartment buildings. Recent reports indicate TdA's presence in major cities like New York City, where they have been linked to robberies in Times Square, as well as states like Colorado and Texas. A Homeland Security memo has warned of the growing threat posed by TdA's expansion and their increasing violence.
This image from social media video shows suspected juvenile Tren de Aragua members based out of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City who have reportedly been targeting nearby Times Square in a string of robberies. (Obtained by New York Post)
