The rise of Venezuelan street gangs across the United States has sparked increased vigilance at both the state and federal levels as the gangs appear to take advantage of the ongoing crisis on the southern border and become increasingly bold.
Fox News Digital confirmed the alert Tuesday that a New Mexico police department had received information from a federal partner that its members were being encouraged to attack Denver police officers.
“The Albuquerque, New Mexico Police Department (APD) issued this Officer Safety Bulletin to inform police of information regarding the Tren de Aragua criminal organization and reports that TDA members in Denver have been given the ‘green light’ to shoot and attack police,” a bulletin from the Colorado Information and Analytical Center said.
Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua gives members permission to attack police: officials
Other media outlets reported that similar messages were sent to federal officials and Border Patrol agents in Chicago.
These images from a CBP intelligence bulletin show Tren De Aragua’s tattoos and identifying information.
Denver police told Fox News Digital they were aware of the warning.
“Details are shared between agencies, as is information regarding criminal activity that may impact other jurisdictions. DPD monitors and makes officers aware of any safety concerns shared by our law enforcement partners,” the statement said.
But it’s one of numerous warnings from state and federal agencies, as well as some lawmakers, about the gang, which is believed to have originated in Venezuelan prisons and then moved north over the years, eventually making its way into the United States.
Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced new steps to thwart the group’s expansion, with the Treasury Department designating it a “serious transnational criminal organization” and the State and Justice departments announcing a $12 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the group’s three leaders.
“Today’s designation of Tren de Aragua as a significant transnational criminal organization highlights the growing threat this organization poses to American communities,” Under Secretary of State for Counterterrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement. “As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to target transnational criminal organizations, we will use all of our tools and authorities against organizations like Tren de Aragua that prey on vulnerable people, engage in a wide range of criminal activity across borders, and exploit the U.S. financial system.”
Border state lawmaker warns of bloodthirsty Venezuelan gangs invading U.S.: ‘They have no rules’
The National Security Council said government departments and agencies were taking steps to “identify and disrupt” the group and that law enforcement would work with state and local partners “to investigate and prosecute members and associates of Tren de Aragua who engage in criminal activity.”
Already last year, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had warned agents that members of Tren de Aragua might be entering the country through the southern border.
“Keep an eye on this gang.” Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens “Their criminal conduct is a serious threat to our community!” he warned in May.
He attached photos showing the tattoos of gang members, including one that read, “Salute or shoot.”
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Migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border are processed by U.S. Border Patrol near Jacumba Hot Springs on June 13, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)
The gang Known as TdAmade headlines earlier this year when it was revealed that the brother of the man suspected in the murder of Georgia student Laken Riley had ties to the gang.
Lawmakers are also sounding the alarm. Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas told Fox News Digital that the gang “will become the dominant international crime organization across the United States. I have no doubt about it.”
Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) recently called on the administration to ban all Venezuelans from entering the United States until the socialist country begins accepting the repatriation of illegal immigrants.
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“We write with deep concern about violent criminals in Venezuela being released from prison and joining migrant caravans to cross into the United States,” Neals and other Republicans wrote.
