ON his first day in office, United States President Donald Trump took decisive action against a deadly Venezuelan criminal group that has committed major crimes in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Government of Dr. Keith Rowley had been advised of the dreadful underworld activities of Tren de Aragua since 2020 but ignored various intelligence reports.
The brutal gangsters have committed murders, extortions, kidnappings, vehicle thefts, human, gun and drug trafficking, contraband trade, and other crimes in T&T.
Trump branded the group an international terrorist organisation under the Alien Enemies Act, allowing US authorities to make arrests, deport members, and seize bank accounts and other assets.
The Rowley Government was told five years ago that Tren de Aragua was linked to local gangs and entered the country through porous borders alongside illegal Venezuelan migrants.
Canadian security expert Dr. Justine Pierre, who was retained by Caricom, said in 2020 that the gang’s presence in T&T “should be a national security concern” and a major priority.
Pierre said the gangsters, whom he described as “powerful in Venezuela,” accompany undocumented migrants.
“They send women and children first,” and, “in some cases, they are part of the trip with them.”
He said the criminals were “teaming up with local gangs.”
They could have the effect of destabilising T&T, Pierre cautioned.
At that time, Tren de Aragua reportedly had links with a gang of East Trinidad, whose leader was in prison on a murder charge.
Pierre produced a comprehensive and evidence-based report on major crimes affecting T&T and other Caricom territories.
He said T&T was at the centre of a child trafficking and illegal adoption ring involving Venezuelan children.
Other reports tell of Tren de Aragua cells in various Venezuelan towns organising smuggling, drug trafficking and other crimes with T&T.
Transparency Venezuela reported on the criminal group’s links to T&T and other countries, including the US, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Mexico and Panama.
“Small boats depart every day” to T&T and other destinations, Transparency Venezuela said.
A report stated the Nicholas Maduro Government hired Tren de Aragua to kill a dissident in Chile.
The group, which was formed in Venezuela’s Torocon prison, makes contact with local associates when they land in T&T, according to reports.
Some members reportedly arrive on pirogues, commit crimes, and return to their country.
The crimes were facilitated by the wide-open borders, the T&T administration was told.
Similar reports on the borders have been provided by US security agencies.
But the Rowley Government has failed to plug the open landing sites or to take action against the Venezuelan underworld operatives.
Trump’s action follows Tren de Aragua’s crimes in various USA cities, including New York, Chicago, Aurora, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, and Salt Lake.
Several gangsters have been arrested, including 41 in one bust.
As in T&T, the criminals engage in several illegal activities.
Last July, the US State Department offered a reward of US $12 million for information leading to the arrest of the group’s leaders.
Upon being sworn in, Trump took the bold step to remove to remove the gangsters.
The T&T authorities have still not taken any action against Tren de Aragua.
