Mexican Authorities Warn Migrant Caravans Facing Extortion By Tren De Aragua

Amid rising tensions and dangers faced by migrants heading to the United States, Mexican authorities have issued alarming warnings about the involvement of a notorious Venezuelan crime syndicate known as Tren De Aragua (TDA). This gang is not just a local concern; it has become a significant threat to the safety of migrant caravans traversing Mexico towards the U.S. border. Reports indicate that these migrants are being "extorted," a situation that raises urgent questions about the safety and security of those seeking refuge and a better life.

The situation is dire, as TDA has been identified by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as a terror group. They are involved in a range of criminal activities including smuggling migrants, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, murder-for-hire, and extortion. Border Report cites Mexican officials shedding light on the deepening crisis, indicating that the TDA has developed a dangerous co-dependence with various organized crime groups.

Chihuahua Public Safety Secretary Gilberto Loya emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the rise in migrant kidnappings and extortion cases has been alarming. He noted, "We detected this here when we began to have a large number of migrant kidnappings and extortion—from people who came in the caravans and migrants who arrived by themselves to Juarez." This statement underscores the ever-growing risks faced by vulnerable individuals during their perilous journey.

One of the largest groups of migrants, comprising 2,000 individuals, departed from Tapachula, a city located on Mexico's southern border with Guatemala on October 20, 2023. After their departure, they are expected to break into smaller groups and seek various routes to reach the U.S. This strategic dispersal raises concerns about their safety and the potential for exploitation by criminal elements.

In addition, another caravan dubbed "God Guide Us," consisting of about 1,000 migrants, set off from Tapachula on October 13, making its way through Mexico toward the U.S. This situation highlights the ongoing migration crisis, with the International Rescue Committee also reporting a third caravan of 700 individuals that left in October.

TDA, which originated in a Venezuelan prison, has gained notoriety across the United States following a viral video depicting armed gang members invading an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado. Former President Donald Trump asserted that the gang had "overrun" Aurora, while Mayor Mike Coffman described such claims as exaggerated, asserting that the gangs are not in control of the complexes.

U.S. Border Patrol has reported significant apprehensions of TDA gang members in recent fiscal years, emphasizing the growing concern over their activities. The gang is particularly notorious for human trafficking and abuses directed at vulnerable migrants, with accusations of smuggling women and girls for sexual exploitation. This raises critical questions about the safety of those traversing dangerous routes in search of a better future.

Abbott's press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, described TDA as a "ruthless organization" that has no place in Texas. He lamented the deadly consequences of the federal government's failure to secure the border, noting the tragic case of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was allegedly raped and murdered by illegal immigrants. If TDA members are confirmed as her killers, Texas plans to impose severe penalties on them, reflecting the state's commitment to combating such criminal elements.

Two men charged in connection with Nungaray's death, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, reportedly have ties to TDA. Additionally, a prominent figure linked to sex trafficking, known as La Barbie, was arrested in El Paso, underscoring the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region.

In a bid to combat this escalating threat, Abbott has announced a $5,000 bounty for information leading to the arrest of TDA members, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the issue. Furthermore, he signed a proclamation designating TDA as a foreign terrorist organization, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

As border security continues to dominate the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections, both presidential candidates have pledged to implement tougher security measures and address the underlying issues driving migration. The plight of migrants caught in the crossfire of organized crime remains a pressing concern, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to this multifaceted crisis.