The Take Who is behind Tren de Aragua?
15 snips
May 28, 2025 Mike LaSusa, Deputy Director of Content at InSight Crime, dives into the rise of the Tren de Aragua gang from a Venezuelan prison to a transnational threat. He discusses how U.S. immigration policies have spotlighted the gang, impacting innocent Venezuelans caught in the chaos. The conversation reveals the gang's fragmented nature, with individuals exploiting its name for personal gain. LaSusa also highlights the struggles law enforcement faces in identifying members, and the political ramifications that affect vulnerable communities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Prison Origins of Tren de Aragua
- Tren de Aragua originated as a prison gang controlling Venezuela's Tocoron prison.
- The gang used extortion inside the prison to fund its criminal growth and power.
From Prison Gang to Transnational Group
- Tren de Aragua evolved from a prison gang to a transnational criminal group.
- It remains the only Venezuelan gang to establish operations beyond Venezuela's borders.
Diplomatic Pressure Fueled Deportations
- Tren de Aragua's presence abroad created diplomatic pressure on Maduro's government.
- Trump used this pressure to justify mass deportations of Venezuelans from the U.S.