A notorious Venezuelan gang with a history of violent crimes has emerged as a growing threat in America's largest city, transforming from a prison gang into an international criminal enterprise.
According to the Daily Mail, the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang has accumulated 517 arrests in New York City since January 2024, with most incidents occurring in prime tourist areas.
The majority of these arrests stem from robbery and grand larceny charges, though their criminal activities extend to assault and car theft. The NYPD has identified 41 confirmed TdA members, but law enforcement sources suggest the actual number could exceed 200 undocumented gang members operating within the city limits.
Times Square Emerges As Criminal Hotspot
The gang has concentrated its operations in midtown Manhattan's busiest retail districts. Nearly 300 arrests have taken place near popular tourist destinations, including Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall.
Law enforcement officials have noted a 45 percent increase in arrests compared to when the gang first appeared two years ago. Despite this surge in enforcement, authorities believe they've only scratched the surface of the organization's presence.
The gang has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, with members often posing as food delivery workers to execute armed heists.
Youth Recruitment Raises Serious Concerns
NYPD Assistant Chief Jason Savino revealed the gang's disturbing strategy of recruiting children as young as 11 years old. These young recruits belong to a splinter group called "Diablos de la 42" or "devils of 42nd Street."
One juvenile member, known as "Little Devil," was arrested 11 times within five months before being detained. The teenager had crossed the Texas border in May 2023 and was residing at the Roosevelt Hotel with his mother.
Savino expressed particular concern about the gang's evolving structure and tactics. He stated:
Right now what we have, I like to call a 'perfect storm' of sorts. We have individuals, tremendously brazen, absolutely ruthless individuals that have committed a multitude of crimes with basically no repercussions.
Notable Criminal Activities And Arrests
The gang's criminal portfolio includes several high-profile incidents. Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19, faces attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting two NYPD officers while participating in armed heists disguised as food delivery workers.
In January, two TdA members were charged in connection with assaulting NYPD officers in Times Square. The incident occurred when police attempted to disperse a group blocking the sidewalk, leading to a violent confrontation.
The gang has diversified its criminal enterprises to include cell phone thefts using mopeds, retail theft, and the distribution of a pink, powdery substance known as Tusi.
Critical Security Challenge Ahead
The Tren de Aragua's transformation from a South American prison gang to an international criminal organization presents a significant challenge for New York law enforcement. Their expertise in child prostitution and sex trafficking has now evolved to include sophisticated urban crime operations.
The gang's strategic focus on Times Square demonstrates their understanding of high-value targets. As one law enforcement official noted, controlling territory in Times Square represents the "crème de la crème" of criminal operations in New York City.
