An FBI agent warned of a possible alliance between the Venezuelan gang “Tren de Aragua“, which has taken advantage of the migratory avalanche on the southern border to enter the United States, and the dangerous criminal organization Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
John Morales, special agent in charge of the El Paso division, in Texas, spoke exclusively with the New York Post about how these gangs are rapidly expanding and creating a criminal empire in the United States.
The “Aragua Train”, which is also present in Colombia, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Panama, has used its methods in New York to create a mobile phone theft network, according to the New York Post.
They detailed that, after carrying out the thefts, the bank accounts are left without cash, with fraudulent transactions in both the United States and South America. After doing that, they send the phones to Colombia to be reprogrammed and sold.
The special agent warned that MS-13 and other dangerous gangs could become his temporary allies, “although these gangs do not normally mix, it will always be a concern as the Tren de Aragua gang grows stronger and establishes a support point.”
In addition, he assured that at this time they are working with “our local law enforcement partners and sharing intelligence to stop the growth of the Aragua Train.”
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) reported that members of both gangs, who live illegally in that country, have been detected in cities such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Chicago.
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**Interview with John Morales, Special Agent in Charge of the El Paso Division**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Agent Morales. Let’s start with the growing influence of the Tren de Aragua gang in the United States. Could you elaborate on how their methods have evolved to touch various states?
**John Morales:** Certainly. Tren de Aragua has been able to exploit the migratory wave at the southern border, establishing a foothold in cities across the U.S. They’ve notably created a network for mobile phone theft that operates quite efficiently; after stealing phones, they deplete bank accounts through fraudulent transactions and sell the reprogrammed devices in Colombia.
**Interviewer:** That’s alarming. You’ve mentioned a potential alliance between Tren de Aragua and MS-13. Can you explain why this is particularly concerning?
**John Morales:** Typically, these gangs operate independently. However, as Tren de Aragua grows stronger, there’s a risk they could collaborate with MS-13. While they have their own territories and operations, a temporary alliance could lead to a significant escalation in violence and criminal activity, which is something we take very seriously.
**Interviewer:** How is the FBI addressing this issue? What steps are you taking to combat both gangs?
**John Morales:** We’re actively collaborating with local law enforcement agencies and sharing intelligence across jurisdictions. Our focus is on dismantling their networks before they can establish a stronger foundation in the U.S.
**Interviewer:** There’s a clear threat from these gangs, especially with their activities spanning multiple states. What do you think the public should understand about this situation?
**John Morales:** Awareness is key. Understanding the dynamics of these gangs can help communities better prepare and engage with law enforcement. It’s critical for citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Agent Morales, for shedding light on this pressing issue. Given this alarming information about the expansion of these criminal organizations, how do readers feel about the adequacy of current law enforcement responses? Is enough being done to prevent these gangs from establishing a stronger presence in our communities?