By Luis De Jesus
05 Aug 2024, 20:23 PM EDT
The presence of the Tren de Aragua, an international criminal gang with roots in Venezuela, has raised concerns among Colorado police authorities.
Recently, an increase in its influence has been detected in several cities in the state, including Denver and Colorado Springs.
Caitlin Ford, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Springs Police Department, confirmed that they are cooperating closely with other agencies to monitor the situation closely.
This collaboration responds to recent reports from the Homeland Security Investigations Office, which warn of the possible presence of members of the Tren de Aragua in the region.
Although no specific details have been revealed about the threats, there is speculation that the organization could be authorizing attacks against police officers in several cities in the state, Efe reports.
Authorities have stepped up surveillance and are reviewing images of possible tattoos associated with the gang, although many younger members may not have them to avoid detection.
Nationwide, HSI confirmed that the criminal gang, originally from Venezuela, has established operations in Colorado and other parts of the United States. The agency emphasized that the detention and deportation of these individuals is a priority for immigration authorities.
The Aragua Train, known for its base in the Venezuelan city of Aragua, has also had clashes with law enforcement in other US cities such as Chicago and Miami.
The gang has found El Paso, Texas, a key location for its operations as it continues to expand its presence in the country.
Local authorities estimate that a large part of recent immigrants in the region are of Venezuelan origin, which could facilitate the infiltration of members of the Tren de Aragua into local communities.
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