Law enforcement warns of Venezuelan gang Trenderogua's growing threat across 17 US states

The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security convened on December 11, 2024, to address the escalating threat posed by the Venezuelan-based criminal organization known as Trenderogua (TDA). The meeting highlighted concerns over the organization's growing influence in the United States, which is attributed to ineffective border policies.

During the session, officials emphasized that TDA has become a significant public safety threat, with operations reported in at least 17 states. Estimates suggest the gang has around 5,000 members involved in serious crimes, including human trafficking, extortion, and narcotics trafficking. Recent incidents, such as a violent robbery in Denver, underscore the urgency of the situation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has warned law enforcement about credible threats from TDA, with over 1,000 members believed to be active in the U.S.

The committee criticized the delay in sharing critical intelligence about TDA with local law enforcement, noting that a bulletin prepared in November 2022 was not accessible until nearly a year later. This lapse allowed TDA to operate largely unchecked within the country.

In response to the growing demand for assistance, DHS is hosting a webinar on December 16 to inform local law enforcement about the dangers posed by TDA. The overwhelming interest in the webinar, which has seen over 1,000 registrants, reflects the urgent need for support in combating this criminal organization.

The meeting concluded with calls for immediate action to strengthen border security. Recommendations included reinstating migrant protection protocols, increasing funding for law enforcement, and targeting transnational criminal organizations like TDA. Officials stressed the importance of enhancing access to encrypted communications for law enforcement to effectively combat criminal activities.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a critical moment for U.S. border policy and law enforcement strategies as they confront the challenges posed by organized crime.