US intelligence memo says Maduro ‘probably does not’ control Tren de Aragua
The recent release of a memo by U.S. intelligence agencies has shed new light on the activities of the Tren de Aragua, a notorious gang operating in Venezuela. Contrary to previous claims, the memo suggests that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s regime does not directly control the Tren de Aragua.
Published by the New York Times, the memo challenges President Donald Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to facilitate deportations of Tren de Aragua members. The National Intelligence Council’s report indicates that while the Venezuelan government’s permissive environment allows Tren de Aragua to operate, there is no evidence of direct cooperation between the regime and the gang’s leadership.
According to the memo, Venezuelan law enforcement actions against Tren de Aragua suggest that the regime views the gang as a threat rather than an ally. The decentralized structure of the gang also makes it logistically challenging for the regime to establish a direct relationship with Tren de Aragua.
Despite these findings, FBI analysts believe that some Venezuelan government officials may facilitate the migration of Tren de Aragua members to the United States. These officials may use the gang members as proxies to advance the Maduro regime’s goal of destabilizing governments and undermining public safety in other countries.
The memo’s release comes in the wake of Trump’s administration invoking the Alien Enemies Act to target Venezuelan citizens affiliated with Tren de Aragua. The White House has argued that the gang operates in conjunction with Cártel de los Soles, a narco-terrorism enterprise allegedly sponsored by the Maduro regime.
It is important to note that the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 has been invoked only three times in history, during the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II. The recent use of the act against Tren de Aragua members marks a rare application of this law.
In 2020, Maduro and other regime members were charged with narco-terrorism and other crimes in an alleged plot against the United States. These developments have heightened tensions between the two countries and raised concerns about the influence of criminal organizations in Venezuela.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to closely monitor the actions of both the Venezuelan government and criminal groups like Tren de Aragua. The memo’s findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics at play and underscore the need for a nuanced approach to addressing security challenges in the region.
