Tren de Aragua Gang Launches Border Attacks

Members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal organization, have intensified violent attempts to breach the Texas-Mexico border, with recent assaults involving armed attacks on border crossings near El Paso. An internal Texas Department of Public Safety memo revealed that 20 gang members attempted to force their way into the U.S. earlier in December, utilizing weapons such as blades and tire irons, with expectations of further attempts on New Year’s Day. Authorities believe this surge in aggression is motivated by the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised stricter border security and increased deportations of criminal migrants. Retired Homeland Security agent Victor Avila noted that the gang's violent actions are a response to anticipated changes in border policy. The gang, which originated in a Venezuelan prison in 2013, has expanded its influence across multiple U.S. states, including Colorado and Texas, where it has taken control of several apartment buildings. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has designated Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization in an effort to combat its growing presence and violent activities.