Top law enforcement official sounds alarm about bloodthirsty Venezuelan gang operating in red state

Law enforcement officials in Tennessee are sounding the alarm about the presence of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in the state, with a particular focus on their involvement in human trafficking. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch recently spoke on the \”Unmuted with Marsha\” podcast, hosted by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, where he revealed that intelligence information indicates that Tren de Aragua is actively operating in Tennessee and engaging in human trafficking activities.

Rausch highlighted a recent arrest of a Tren de Aragua fugitive from Venezuela with a history of violent crimes in Tennessee, underscoring the gang’s growing presence in the state. Tren de Aragua, which originated in the Tocoron prison in the Venezuelan state of Aragua, has expanded its operations to several countries, including the U.S. The gang has reportedly benefitted from the influx of Venezuelan migrants into the country, leading to a surge in criminal activities linked to Tren de Aragua in various states across the nation.

According to Rausch, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation first encountered Tren de Aragua in 2022 and made arrests in 2023. Subsequent investigations revealed the gang’s involvement in human trafficking, particularly in smuggling Venezuelan females into the U.S. under false pretenses. Rausch emphasized the need to disrupt Tren de Aragua’s operations before they escalate into more serious criminal activities like organized retail crime, theft, and drug trafficking.

While Tren de Aragua’s presence in Tennessee is not as pervasive as in other states, Rausch warned of the potential for the gang to expand its operations locally. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to combat human trafficking and prevent Tren de Aragua from establishing a stronghold in the state. Rausch also raised concerns about the challenges of deporting criminal illegal immigrants, especially when their home countries refuse to accept their return.

Sen. Blackburn discussed potential solutions to address the gang’s activities, including legislation to enhance collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies. The conversation comes amidst efforts by the Trump administration to bolster border security and target criminal migrant networks operating in the U.S. Trump’s proposed use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 underscores the administration’s commitment to dismantling illegal criminal networks within the country.

As Tennessee and other states grapple with the growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua, law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to disrupt the gang’s operations and protect vulnerable populations from exploitation. The collaboration between federal and local authorities, coupled with targeted enforcement actions, will be crucial in combating the influence of Tren de Aragua and safeguarding communities from the scourge of human trafficking and other crimes.