Jesús Daniel Romero and William Acosta for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
The Tren de Aragua (TDA) is a criminal organization originating from Venezuela that has gained notoriety for its criminal activities in the United States, particularly in New York, Texas, and California. This article offers a detailed analysis of its methods of operation, the recruitment of minors, criminal activities, the response of authorities, and the impact on the migrant community. The recruitment of underage youth is nothing new, but it is a common method, much like gangs such as MS-13, the Latin Kings, and the Bloods and Crips, because they operate below criminal laws.
Recruitment of Minors
One of the most alarming aspects of the TDA is its recruitment strategy, which focuses on children and adolescents. The New York police have identified this organization as responsible for attracting minors as young as 11, especially those coming from dysfunctional or underprivileged backgrounds.
Recruitment Strategies
The TDA primarily operates in shelters for migrants, where young people are more vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation. In these environments, TDA recruiters present themselves as support figures, offering camaraderie and a sense of belonging. A notable example is the subgroup known as Los Diablitos de la 42, which consists of minors involved in crimes such as theft and assault.
Case Study: Jesús Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa
A case that has drawn attention is that of Jesús Alejandro Rivas-Figueroa, a 15-year-old illegal migrant from Venezuela. Rivas-Figueroa has been arrested at least 10 times this year, highlighting the issues of access to weapons and the lack of significant consequences for young people involved in criminal activities. Despite his criminal record, he remains free and has been able to stay in taxpayer-funded shelters. This case underscores the failures of the justice system that allow juvenile offenders to operate without fear of consequences.
In addition to this case, there have been other documented instances of minor recruitment by the TDA in various states across the U.S.:
Florida: José Pérez, 15, was arrested in Miami for his involvement in a series of armed robberies. Authorities reported that he was recruited by members of Tren de Aragua, who encouraged him to join their criminal activities.
California: Luis Martínez, 14, was detained in Los Angeles after being accused of drug trafficking and theft. According to police reports, he had been recruited by a Tren de Aragua gang member whom he met in a migrant shelter.
Texas: Fernando Silva, 13, was arrested in Houston after participating in an extortion attempt. Authorities stated that Silva had been incorporated into the group by an older member who promised him protection and belonging to the gang.
The Current Situation of the TDA in New York
The situation of the TDA in New York has captured the attention of authorities and the community due to its alarming evolution. This dangerous Venezuelan gang has begun recruiting children, attracting members as young as 11. Jason Savino, assistant chief of the New York Police Department (NYPD), has alerted about this growing threat, emphasizing that the gang has developed an organized structure that allows them to operate more effectively in the city.
Since October 2024, there has been an observed increase in criminal activity associated with this gang, which originally focused on minor thefts. However, they have quickly escalated to more serious crimes, including armed robberies and shootings, raising great concern among authorities. The situation is further complicated by the emergence of young people involved in crimes as young as 8 years old, posing serious challenges for the justice system.
Times Square has become a critical point for the operation of TDA members. This area, known as the "Crossroads of the World," has been identified as their territory, where they feel comfortable and engage in criminal activities, even displaying their weapons on social media. Within this context, the gang associated with the TDA known as "Little Devils of 42nd" takes its name from "Los Diablitos de la 42." This group has begun operating in Times Square, where they terrorize both locals and tourists.
The growth of violence and impunity surrounding the gang's actions is concerning, especially considering that there are indications of international connections. Orders are believed to emanate from Colombia and Venezuela, suggesting that the TDA seeks to expand its influence and operations in New York. This scenario raises serious concerns about public safety and the capacity of the justice system to address this escalating crisis.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), it has been reported that gang members are recruiting children in migrant shelters, mingling with the large number of asylum seekers who have arrived. Joseph Kenny, chief of detectives, explained that these criminals, after committing their crimes, return to the migrant community, where they blend in with those who are law-abiding.
Kenny also mentioned that children have been involved in store robberies, stealing jewelry, watches, and smartphones, using firearms and knives, and even firing at police officers. Last year, more than 300 incidents were reported, and this year they have already surpassed 800, according to CBS News.
The problem is exacerbated when these minors are arrested. Kenny noted that, lacking prior criminal records, they are quickly released after appearing before a judge in New York, without being offered bail. This allows them to return to the streets without any real consequences.
Criminal Activities
The criminal activities of the TDA are varied and have intensified in recent years. Some of the most common crimes include:
Store Robberies: Members of the TDA have been responsible for multiple organized robberies in New York stores, targeting high-value items.
Assaults: Using firearms and knives, members have carried out violent assaults, creating fear among residents.
Thefts: The organization specializes in stealing high-value items such as jewelry and mobile phones.
Frustration of Authorities
Law enforcement sources have expressed frustration that, despite the frequency of arrests and criminal history, young individuals like Rivas-Figueroa can remain free. The lack of effective deterrence is allowing these criminals to operate without fear of consequences. Some have compared their behavior to a "video game," where young people seem to feel no gravity in their actions.
Impact on the Community
The presence of these young gang members and their criminal activity is generating a climate of terror in the city. Residents live with a constant fear of being victims of theft or assault, which affects their quality of life and their perception of security in their communities. The situation has become unsustainable, and many citizens are calling for a more effective response from authorities to address this growing threat.
Expansion and Response from Authorities
The TDA has managed to extend its influence to at least 16 states in the U.S. According to data from the U.S. Border Patrol, 41 arrests of TDA members have been recorded in fiscal year 2023, and 23 in 2024, indicating an increase in gang activity nationwide.
In Texas, for example, recruitment attempts have been recorded in schools. A notable case involves Jorgenys Robertson Cova, who was arrested for attempting to recruit students in Houston.
Other Countries where the TDA Has Recruited Minors
The TDA is not limited to operating only in Venezuela and the United States. Cases of minor recruitment have been documented in other Latin American countries, indicating the transnational nature of this organization.
Colombia: It has been reported that the TDA is beginning to establish a presence in several Colombian cities, especially in border areas. In some cases, they have recruited young people in vulnerable communities, taking advantage of economic difficulties and lack of opportunities.
Brazil: In Brazil, the TDA has been linked to criminal activities in cities such as Boa Vista and Manaus, where many Venezuelan migrants have settled. Cases of minor recruitment have been recorded in informal settlements and shelters.
Peru: With the growing Venezuelan migration to Peru, it has been observed that the TDA is attempting to establish recruitment networks in Lima and other cities, targeting young people in poverty and social exclusion.
Chile: In Chile, the TDA has also begun to make its presence felt. Cases of recruitment have been reported in neighborhoods of Santiago, where vulnerable young people are approached by members of the organization.
Global Impact and International Response
The expansion of the TDA in the United States and other countries has generated concerns about the safety and well-being of minors in these regions. Local authorities and non-governmental organizations are working to establish prevention and protection programs but face significant challenges due to the nature of the complex problems. Tom Homan, designated as the Border Czar by the Trump administration, affirmed the position of this new administration regarding the deportation of millions of illegal immigrants, which includes criminal organizations and specifically members of Tren de Aragua. The issue of Tren de Aragua and the rampant migration of Venezuelans to the United States cannot be resolved without considering the direct role played by the Venezuelan regime led by Nicolás Maduro.
Credits
The information in this report was obtained from the following sources:
- CBS News
- Telemundo
- Newsweek
- New York Post
Jesús Romero retired after 37 years of service in the U.S. government, encompassing military, intelligence, and diplomatic roles. He began his career in the Navy in 1984, rising from enlisted member to Naval Intelligence Officer through the Navy's Enlisted Commissioning Program. A graduate of Norfolk State University with a degree in Political Science, Romero also completed Naval Aviation Pre-Flight Training and served in various capacities, including aboard a nuclear missile cruiser and in attack squadrons. His deployments included Libya, Bosnia, Iraq, and Somalia. Romero's intelligence career included key assignments with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Panama, the Pacific Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii, and leading U.S. efforts to locate missing persons in Asia. He retired from active duty in 2006, decorated with numerous medals such as the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal. After his military career, Romero worked as a defense contractor for BAE Systems and Booz Allen Hamilton. He spent 15 years in civil service as an Intelligence Operations Specialist at the Department of the Army in the Southern Joint Interagency Task Force in Florida. His diplomatic roles overseas included periods in Peru, Ecuador, and Guatemala. Romero has been widely recognized, including the Joint Service Civilian Meritorious Medal from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Army Civilian Superior Service Medal, and multiple international awards for his contributions to anti-drug missions. Romero wrote his last book to honor his colleagues and illuminate disruptive strategies against an international criminal organization that under his leadership significantly hindered cocaine trafficking to the United States. His efforts contributed to dismantling operations that supported Mexican cartels and reduced the aerial bridge for cocaine by more than 120 tons annually.
He is the author of the Amazon best seller titled "The Final Flight: The Queen of the Air."
William Acosta is the founder and CEO of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc. He has coordinated investigations related to international drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides in the U.S. and other countries, including Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, England, and literally all of Latin America.
William served as a New York Police Investigator for 10 years, 2 years in the Treasury Department, and 6 years in the U.S. Army with several international deployments for communications and intelligence issues.
CAREER AND EXPERIENCE
William Acosta, a veteran investigator
international pain, coordinated multijurisdictional investigations on drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides in the United States and other countries.Acosta's martial arts training in taekwondo reached the 6th dan, practicing traditionally as a lifestyle and not just for fighting.
The transition from police to private investigation allowed Acosta to make his own rules and choose clients after more than 20 years in the profession.
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