Early morning NYPD and Homeland Security operations in New York City concluded with the arrest of key members of the Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua.
According to Fox News, they were tracked down related to violent crimes in Colorado and associated crimes in New York.
Denyeer Aramillo Meneses, 23, and Edison Pena Angulo, 25, were captured in the Bronx after being involved in an armed apartment invasion in Aurora, Colorado. The NYPD gang task force, supported by Homeland Security, apprehended them at approximately 3:30 a.m. on a Wednesday.
The lengthy investigation leading up to these arrests spanned six months. It initially focused on drug trafficking from a ring that operated from the Bronx to Lower Manhattan. This operation was part of a broader initiative against escalating violent crimes linked to this group.
Synthetic Drugs and Weapons Seized
Throughout the operation, several illicit substances were seized, including synthetic marijuana, heroin, and a synthetic drug mixture known as Tussi. These items underscore the breadth of the gang’s involvement in drug trafficking. Additionally, officials confiscated three assault rifles, two pistols, and various pieces of ammunition and semi-automatic weaponry.
Credit card fraud, drug distribution, and menacing with firearms are but a few of the gang’s alleged activities. On October 1, police in Aurora issued arrest warrants for Meneses and Angulo, leading to their eventual capture in New York.
Real Estate Under Gang Control
An apartment investor described the gang's takeover of property at one of the affected complexes. They initially appeared harmless but soon took criminal control of the area.
"They were first hanging out around the property and creating a bad element that's constantly there," he explained. "And then they started taking over, quite a few months ago, they started taking over vacant units.”
In August, Meneses and Angulo were part of a group that violently entered two apartments at The Edge at Lowry Complex in Aurora. Their intrusion tragically culminated in the death of 25-year-old Oswaldo Jose Dabion Araujo. This event has thrown a spotlight on the dangerous expansion of Tren de Aragua outside of Venezuela.
National Security Threat Highlighted
Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens highlighted the broader implications of the gang's activities across the United States. "Keep your eye on this gang," he warned. "Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!"
The gang’s actions do not stop at property invasion; they purportedly extend to demanding 'protection' rent from other apartment dwellers in Aurora. This methodical expansion of controlled territory illustrates a severe organized crime threat that spans several states.
Fifteen members of the Tren de Aragua were arrested, which speaks volumes about the scale of this criminal network. These arrests provide hope that such gangs can be dismantled when agencies work collaboratively.
Authorities Respond to Growing Gang Influence
Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirino, also known as "Galleta," is alleged to be a high-ranking leader within this gang involved in severe crimes including beatings and shootouts. The federal indictments and charges against Meneses and Angulo remain sealed, indicating ongoing legal proceedings that could reveal more about the gang’s operations.
Overall, the cooperation between NYPD and Homeland Security has dealt a significant blow to a dangerous international gang. Their presence in the United States poses distinct challenges to public safety and law enforcement.
By addressing both the local and broader aspects of these crimes, authorities aim to protect communities from such organized criminal enterprises.
