Venezuelan Gangs Infiltrate U.S. Cities | 9.7.24
The Morning Wire episode covers the alarming rise of the violent Venezuelan criminal organization, the Trende de Aragua gang, across major U.S. cities. Formed in a notorious Venezuelan prison, this ruthless gang has expanded its illicit operations from South America to the United States, where it poses a threat to rival gangs like MS-13.
The episode discusses the gang's presence in cities like Chicago and Aurora, Colorado, where members have carried out brazen acts of violence and intimidation against unsuspecting residents. It examines how the Biden administration's policies on Venezuelan immigration may have inadvertently enabled the gang's growth, and explores the need for stronger action to combat this transnational criminal organization.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 7, 2024 episode of the Morning Wire
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
The Trende de Aragua Gang
Violent Origins and Structure
According to Ashe Schow, the Trende de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan criminal organization, emerged from a notorious Venezuelan prison. To expand its reach, it formed a partnership with a Brazilian gang in 2015, enabling operations throughout South America and eventually into North America.
Criminal Activities
Trende de Aragua engages in a range of illicit activities like murder, drug and human trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping. Their ruthlessness poses a threat to other gangs like MS-13, raising concerns over their growing influence.
US Expansion and Impact
Presence Across US Cities
Victor Manuel Manjarrez highlights the gang's presence in major US cities like Chicago, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. He predicts it will likely be more violent than MS-13.
Terrorizing Residents
In Aurora, Colorado, gang members attempted to forcibly enter an apartment building, prompting residents to flee, according to video footage. In Chicago, nearly three dozen armed Venezuelans linked to the gang stormed an apartment building before police arrived.
Immigration and Recruitment
Exploiting Venezuelan Immigration
Ammon Blair notes the connection between Venezuelan immigration and the gang's US expansion. With over 330,000 Venezuelans entering the US last year, the gang has followed migration pipelines into communities.
Recruiting Immigrants
Blair implies the gang actively recruits from Venezuelan immigrants with criminal backgrounds. The lack of information sharing between Venezuela and US border patrol makes screening out gang members difficult.
Government Response
Criticism of Biden Administration
Republican politicians like Senator Marco Rubio have criticized the Biden administration for inaction against the gang, demanding it be formally designated as a transnational criminal organization.
Policy Concerns
Ashe Schow highlights how administration policies like providing temporary protected status to Venezuelan immigrants and allowing their release on bail after crimes may have enabled the gang's growth in American communities.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The partnership with a Brazilian gang may be more of a strategic alliance than a merger, which is common among criminal organizations to strengthen their operations.
- While the gang is involved in various criminal activities, it's important to recognize that not all members may be equally involved or violent; some might be coerced or have limited roles.
- The threat posed to other gangs like MS-13 could be overstated, as gangs often operate within their own territories and may avoid direct confrontations to focus on their illicit businesses.
- The presence of the gang in US cities does not necessarily mean they have a significant operational base or influence in these areas; they could be relatively small cells within a larger criminal landscape.
- Violent incidents involving gang members should be contextualized; isolated events may not represent the overall behavior or strategy of the gang.
- Venezuelan immigration is a complex issue, and not all immigrants are involved with criminal activities; most are seeking better lives and should not be stigmatized due to the actions of a few.
- Recruitment of immigrants with criminal backgrounds might not be a widespread or systematic practice; it could be opportunistic and limited to individuals already inclined towards criminal activity.
- Information sharing between Venezuela and US border patrol is a diplomatic and logistical challenge that involves more than just the will to cooperate; there are technical and political barriers that need to be addressed.
- Criticism of the Biden administration's policies should consider the broader context of immigration policy, human rights, and the challenges of managing large migrant flows.
- Policies like temporary protected status and bail release are part of the legal framework designed to protect rights and due process, and they serve broader humanitarian goals; they are not specifically tailored to enable criminal activity.
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by staying informed about local gang activity through community alerts and police reports, which can help you avoid areas with high criminal activity and make safer choices about where to live, work, and socialize.
- Support immigrant integration by volunteering with local organizations that assist newcomers in finding employment and accessing legal services, which can reduce the likelihood of immigrants being targeted for recruitment by criminal organizations.
- Encourage better information sharing by contacting your local representatives to express the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement, emphasizing how this can help prevent the spread of transnational criminal organizations and protect communities.
Get access to the context and additional materials
The Trende de Aragua gang: its origins, structure, and criminal activities
The Trende de Aragua gang is a violent Venezuelan criminal organization that developed within a notorious Venezuelan prison, gradually expanded across South America, and now operates even within the United States.
Violent beginnings and international ties
The Trende de Aragua gang, according to Ashe Schow, emerged from the confines of a notorious Venezuelan prison. It was behind the scenes within these prison walls that the founding members of the gang established the Trende de Aragua and later cemented their power. In an effort to consolidate and extend its reach, they formed a partnership in 2015 with a Brazilian gang, which enabled them to expand their operations throughout South America and eventually make their way into North America.
Range of criminal activities
This organization is not just known for its origins and expansion but also for its array of criminal activities. Ashe Schow reports that members of the Trende de Aragua gang have been involved in acts of extreme violence, including the murder of a nursing student in Georgia by gang member Jose Ibarra. Furthermore, the gang was res ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Trende de Aragua gang: its origins, structure, and criminal activities
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by staying informed about local crime trends through community alerts and police reports, which can help you avoid areas with gang activity and recognize potential threats in your vicinity.
- By subscribing to local law enforcement social media feeds or community safety apps, you'll be more aware of the presence of gangs like the Trende de Aragua in your area. This knowledge allows you to make safer choices about where to travel or live, and when to be extra vigilant about your surroundings.
- You might consider supporting organizations that work with at-risk youth to prevent gang recruitment by volunteering or donating to their programs.
- By engaging with groups that offer education, mentorship, and employment opportunities to vulnerable populations, you contribute to reducing the appeal of gangs to young people. This can be as simple as mentoring a teen, participating in community clean-ups, or funding local initiatives that create positive alternatives to gang life.
- You can protect your personal information online to reduce the risk of bec ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
The expansion of the gang into the US and its impact on communities
The gang's expansion within the United States has led to a significant impact on communities, with activities ranging from taking control of apartment buildings to prompting residents to seek safety by fleeing their homes.
The gang has established a presence in multiple US states, taking control of apartment buildings and terrorizing residents
Victor Manuel Manjarrez highlights the gang's presence in major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles. He predicts that the gang will likely be more violent than MS-13, one of the most notorious international criminal gangs.
In Aurora, Colorado, the gang members were caught on video attempting to forcibly enter an apartment building, prompting residents to flee the area
Videos have surfaced showing armed gang members trying to force their way into an apartment in Aurora, Colorado. These incidents escalated to such an extent that residents felt compelled to leave their homes. The footage illustrates a woman attempting to fortify her apartment at night to prevent gang members from breaking in. Despite these events, the Aurora police denied the accusations of a gang takeover but acknowledged the existing problem.
In Chicago, a group of nearly three dozen armed Venezuelans associated with the gang stormed an apartment building, with the gang members fleeing before the police arrived
Furthermore, in Chicago, an alarming situation arose w ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The expansion of the gang into the US and its impact on communities
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The extent of the gang's presence and influence might be overstated or sensationalized, as media and public figures can sometimes amplify isolated incidents to suggest a broader trend.
- The comparison to MS-13 may not be entirely accurate or fair, as the dynamics, history, and organizational structures of criminal gangs can vary significantly.
- The incidents in Aurora and Chicago, while serious, may not reflect a systemic pattern of behavior for the entire gang or the broader community of Venezuelans.
- The response by law enforcement and community leaders may be more effective than depicted, and progress in combating gang activity might not be fully represented in the text.
- The portrayal of the gang members fleeing before police arrive could suggest that law enforcement is having some deterrent effect, contrary to the implication that the gang is operating with impunity.
- The narrat ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by downloading a community safety app that allows users to report suspicious activities and receive real-time alerts from neighbors. These apps often use crowd-sourced information to provide a comprehensive view of local safety concerns, enabling you to avoid potentially dangerous situations and contribute to the collective security of your community.
- Develop a habit of attending local neighborhood watch meetings to stay informed about safety issues and collaborate on community response strategies. By participating in these meetings, you not only keep yourself updated on potential threats but also foster a sense of solidarity and collective action among residents, which can deter criminal activities.
- Create an emergency contact list on ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
The link between Venezuelan immigration and the growth of the gang
Ammon Blair highlights a concerning trend: the connection between Venezuelan immigration and the expansion of gang activity in the United States.
The influx of Venezuelan immigrants to the US, with over 330,000 entering the country in the past year, has allowed the gang to expand its operations
Blair notes that with the significant number of Venezuelans entering the country, gangs such as the [restricted term] de Aragua have followed the migration pipelines into various communities.
More than 330,000 Venezuelans crossed into the US last year, according to Blair. Since 2021, approximately 800,000 Venezuelans have attempted to cross the southern border, revealing an increasing trend from 50,500 in fiscal year 2021 to more than 330,000 by fiscal year 2023.
Many of the Venezuelan immigrants entering the US have criminal backgrounds, and the gang has actively recruited members from this population
Blair implies that the [restricted term] de Aragua gang has taken advantage of the influx of Venezuelan immigrants to expand its operations within the United States. He highlights that military-aged males belonging to [restricted term] de Aragua are following these migrant pathways to infiltrate various U.S. communities.
The lack of in ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The link between Venezuelan immigration and the growth of the gang
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The correlation between Venezuelan immigration and gang activity expansion does not necessarily imply causation; other factors could be contributing to the growth of gangs.
- The majority of Venezuelan immigrants are likely seeking safety and better opportunities, not engaging in criminal activities.
- Highlighting the criminal backgrounds of a subset of immigrants could unfairly stigmatize the entire Venezuelan immigrant community.
- Gang recruitment is a complex issue and may not be solely focused on new immigrants; it could also target marginalized individuals within the existing population.
- The lack of information sharing between Venezuela and the US could be due to broader diplomatic and political challenges, not necessarily an ov ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your awareness by following local news and community alerts to stay informed about the activities of new groups in your area, which could include gangs like [restricted term] de Aragua. By doing so, you'll be better prepared to recognize and report suspicious activities to authorities, contributing to community safety.
- Engage with local immigrant support organizations to offer assistance or resources, fostering a positive environment that can help deter criminal organizations from exploiting vulnerable populations. This might involve volunteering, providing job opportunities, or simply creating a welcoming community space that can help integrate immigrants positively.
- Educate yourself on the challenges faced by immigrants, incl ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
The government's response (or lack thereof) to the gang's activities
John Bickley and Ashe Schow engage in a discussion that raises concerns about how the U.S. government, particularly under the Biden administration, is addressing the threat posed by the Trende de Aragua gang.
The Biden administration has not taken significant action to address the threat posed by the Trende de Aragua gang
Republican politicians express their dismay at the Biden administration for not taking substantial measures against the gang's activities within the U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has sent a letter to President Joe Biden demanding the gang be formally recognized as a transnational criminal organization. Texas Republican Tony Gonzalez has also spoken up about the gang's growing influence and criminal activities during a Homeland Security meeting, highlighting them as a significant threat to homeland security.
Senator Marco Rubio and other Republicans have called for the gang to be formally designated as a transnational criminal organization, but the administration has not responded to these demands
Echoing Bickley's concern, Schow points out that while some Republican figures like Rubio are pushing for action, the Biden administration has yet to respond to their demands for formal designation of the gang, which has yet to be classified formally as posing a significant threat.
The administration's policies, such as providing temporary protected status to many Venezuelan immigrants and allowing them to be released on bail after committing crimes, have contributed to the gang's ability to thrive in American communities
The administr ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The government's response (or lack thereof) to the gang's activities
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The Biden administration may have taken actions that are not publicized or are part of a broader strategy that takes time to implement, and immediate designation may not be the most effective approach.
- The process of designating a group as a transnational criminal organization involves legal criteria and evidence that must be met and collected, which can take time.
- Providing temporary protected status to Venezuelan immigrants is a humanitarian act, and it is not fair to conflate the actions of a few with the majority who are law-abiding.
- The release of individuals on bail is part of the judicial process and the right to due process; it is not a policy unique to the Biden administration or to immigrants.
- Sanctuary cities have policies aimed at fostering trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, which can be beneficial for overall community safety and cooperation.
- The presence of gang members among immigrants should be addressed with targeted law enforcement and community engagement rather t ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the legal definitions and implications of transnational criminal organizations to better understand the significance of such a designation. By doing this, you'll be able to discern the potential impact of policy decisions on your community and engage in informed discussions or advocacy. For example, you might read up on the criteria used by government agencies to label groups as transnational criminal organizations and compare these criteria to the activities of the Trende de Aragua gang as reported in various news sources.
- You can participate in community safety initiatives that focus on awareness and prevention of gang activity. This might involve joining or forming neighborhood watch programs, attending local police community meetings to express concerns about gang presence, and learning about the signs of gang activity to report suspicious behavior responsibly. By being proactive in your community, you contribute to a collective effort to deter criminal organizations from taking root locally.
- You can support organiza ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
