The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has raised concerns about the presence of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization, in the state. This announcement follows growing public and media inquiries about the gang’s activities, which have caused alarm among residents and law enforcement agencies.
Rausch stated (full audio): Scroll down to see the video posted by the TBI on Friday.
In a video statement released by TBI Director David Rausch, he confirmed that Tren de Aragua is active in Tennessee, particularly in human trafficking operations in the state’s larger cities. “We’re concerned,” Rausch said, emphasizing the gang’s violent nature and their willingness to confront law enforcement and rival cartels.
While Rausch noted that residents do not need to fear immediate danger outside their homes, the TBI has urged vigilance. The director said these individuals move from human trafficking to organized retail crime, to drug trafficking. They have shown their violence in communities nationwide, particularly when defending territories they claim as their own, Rausch explained.
Rausch also highlighted the gang’s violent tendencies toward law enforcement, describing them as having “no respect” for police. The TBI is actively distributing intelligence to local law enforcement agencies, ensuring officers are prepared to identify and address the threat.
The TBI, which leads human trafficking investigations in Tennessee, has gathered intelligence on the gang through extensive collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. Rausch noted that some smaller police departments may not yet be aware of Tren de Aragua’s activities due to the complexity of intelligence operations and the gang’s transient nature.
Remarks by the TBI about Tren de Aragua in Tennessee marks a significant shift. After earlier arrests seemed to have led to their temporary disappearance from the state, recent intelligence confirms their re-emergence. The TBI says they are currently working to prevent the gang from escalating into more violent and extensive criminal activities.
The TBI encourages the public to remain vigilant and to also report signs of human trafficking, a key focus of the gang’s operations. For more information about human trafficking and its warning signs, visit www.ITHasToStop.com.
