In what some may call a striking symbol of failed border policies, a suspected member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang was apprehended in none other than Palm Beach, Florida—home to President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
This arrest underscores the growing concerns over criminal elements slipping into the United States under the Biden-Harris administration’s lax border enforcement.
As reported [1] by Fox News, Jeffrey Dinise, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Miami Sector, announced the arrest on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Dinise wrote, “U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a Venezuelan national who was identified as a Tren de Aragua gang member. He has a criminal record for assault w/ a deadly weapon. Our agents continue to keep our communities safe.”
Attempts to obtain additional information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection were met with silence.
Palm Beach, FL: U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a Venezuelan national who was identified as a gang member. He has a criminal record for assault w/ a deadly weapon. Our agents continue to keep our communities safe. #palmbeach [2] #borderpatrol [3] #arrest [4] pic.twitter.com/ni3qCvu9fI [5]
— Jeffrey Dinise (@USBPChiefMIP) December 10, 2024 [6]
The Tren de Aragua gang, which translates to “Train of Aragua,” is notorious for its violent operations and criminal enterprises.
Originating in the Tocoron prison of Venezuela’s Aragua state between 2013 and 2015, the gang has metastasized into a transnational menace. A recent Department of Homeland Security memo reveals the gang now operates in at least 16 U.S. states, preying on the weak border enforcement policies.
This violent organization has left a trail of destruction, engaging in heinous crimes such as murders, assaults, robberies, drug trafficking, and gun smuggling.
Dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is now operating in every major city in Tennessee.
Only 67 more days till this bullsh*t comes to an end.
pic.twitter.com/f44S4TLk5A [7]— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) November 14, 2024 [8]
Even more horrifying, Tren de Aragua is linked to the sex trafficking of migrant women, particularly in New York City. The gang has also been accused of taking over apartment buildings in certain states, wielding terror as a weapon to dominate communities.
The Department of Homeland Security memo, ominously titled “Expansion of Tren de Aragua (TdA) Across the United States Presents Challenges for Law Enforcement,” outlines the gang’s increasing violence as it spreads.
Alarmingly, the memo states the gang now operates in regions housing half of America’s population. States such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, and even Wyoming are grappling with the group’s foothold.
Tren de Aragua is now in at least 16 states across the US:
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Louisiana
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Wisconsin
Virginia
Montana
WyomingWe need mass deportations NOW. Make America SAFE again! pic.twitter.com/CFf1hBNXWK [9]
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) November 26, 2024 [10]
As communities across the country face the consequences of unchecked illegal immigration, the arrest in Palm Beach is a grim reminder of what’s at stake.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, the failure to secure the border has allowed criminals like this Tren de Aragua member to infiltrate American neighborhoods, putting countless innocent lives at risk.