Tren de Aragua

Tren de Aragua is a transnational criminal organization that originated out of prisons in Northern Venezuela. While Venezuela remains their stronghold, Tren de Aragua has solidified their presence in Colombia, Peru and Chile, with members also located in Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and the United States. Tren de Aragua uses crime, violence, and intimidation to gain control in new territories. It has used intimidation and corruption to influence local government institutions with the purpose of expanding their territory and increasing illicit activities. Tren de Aragua’s activities include extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking, contract killings, car theft, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and hostage taking. As of 2024, Tren de Aragua has been using car bombs and other explosives in their attacks. In June 2024, multiple New York City Police Department police officers were shot or assaulted by Tren de Aragua members.