Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua poses rising threat in the U.S., officials say

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Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX) warned during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is becoming a significant threat within the United States. Gonzales, whose district covers 40% of the southern border, compared Tren de Aragua to the notorious MS-13, stating the former poses a greater danger.

Tren de Aragua has been linked to violent criminal activities, including the takeover of apartment complexes in Colorado and Texas. This summer, gang members were arrested in El Paso on charges ranging from drug trafficking to human smuggling.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently classified Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, mobilizing state resources to combat the gang's presence. One challenge in addressing the gang's activities is the lack of identifying tattoos and the Venezuelan government's refusal to share criminal data with Interpol.

The committee also discussed broader security concerns at the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the apprehension of individuals on the FBI terror watch list.