The Big Apple’s migrant-friendly “sanctuary city” status has allowed the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to flourish in local migrant shelters, hamstringing cops and keeping immigration agents in the dark, law enforcement sources tell The Post.
The gang has infiltrated the shelter system to build a criminal enterprise that peddles drugs, guns and women in the five boroughs — but the restrictive policy largely bars the NYPD from policing the facilities and prohibits the city from tipping off federal immigration agents about dangerous illegal immigrants, the sources said.
“It was an unintended consequence of this administration’s policies,” a source with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York told The Post. “However, the New York City Council and the mayor’s office [exacerbated] the issue with polices that ignore federal law.
“They claim they are protecting the communities from ICE, all the while releasing these dangerous criminals back into the communities they preyed upon.”
Cities and states that proclaim immigration sanctuary status — which include California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York — vow not to cooperate with federal immigration officials.
That means local authorities will not hold wanted illegal immigrants for ICE and they won’t tip off the feds if they have a migrant fugitive in their custody for a local crime.
Migrants who are convicted locally are typically released after serving their time in jail and are not held for ICE agents to nab them and begin deportation proceedings under sanctuary policies.
In New York City, the policy was adopted decades ago, then codified under former Mayor Bill de Blasio — and it remains in effect under the auspices of the City Council.
For the NYPD, it means city Health and Hospitals and Homeless Services officials have strict limits on police access to migrant shelter and health services in the five boroughs.
“The sanctuary city status eliminates the fear of expulsion,” NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
“If you’re a migrant member of TDA or any criminal group and you know the existing laws, or existing sentiment on prosecution, and you know you’re not getting kicked out of the country, for them it’s worth the risk,” the chief told The Post. --->READ MORE HERE
In just over a year, the Tren de Aragua gang, originally from Venezuela, has established a significant presence in New York City. This violent organization has taken advantage of the migrant crisis to create a criminal enterprise operating from within city shelters.
In just over a year, the Tren de Aragua gang, originally from Venezuela, has established a significant presence in New York City. This violent organization has taken advantage of the migrant crisis to create a criminal enterprise operating from within city shelters.
Gang Activities in NYC
Tren de Aragua is now known for its violent tactics, including armed robberies, drug trafficking, and running prostitution rings in neighborhoods increasingly affected by migrant influxes. The gang also distributes a dangerous fentanyl mix known as Tussi or “pink cocaine.” Their rapid growth has caught both law enforcement and the public off guard.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated, “Not every migrant is here to commit crimes, not every migrant is a gang member. But these TDA guys hide very well in plain sight in the migrant community.” He added, “We aren’t looking to grab the food delivery guy, but these guys go so far as to wear Uber Eats clothing.”
Criminal Operations and Tactics
The gang operates openly in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, where a section known as the “Market of Sweethearts” has become notorious for its stolen goods and a visible sex trade. Recent police actions have uncovered a series of violent robberies linked to the gang, with suspects typically being young migrants. One victim recounted, “They were like, ‘We need your phone, we need your stuff.’”
Targeting Law Enforcement
Members of Tren de Aragua are not only targeting civilians but also law enforcement officers. In one case, 19-year-old Bernardo Castro Mata was charged with shooting at NYPD officers Richard Yarusso and Christian Abreu after being apprehended. Another member, just 15 years old, allegedly fired at a tourist and an officer in Times Square. --->READ MORE HERE
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