An ICE ankle monitor signal leads federal authorities to a Bronx hideout, resulting in the arrest of dangerous Tren de Aragua gang members next to a daycare center.
At a Glance
- Federal agents arrested several members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in New York City
- The raid was initiated after tracking a GPS ankle monitor signal to a Bronx apartment
- 22 suspected gang members were apprehended in coordinated raids in the Bronx and Brooklyn
- The gang is known for violent crimes, including murders, assaults, robberies, and gun smuggling
- Critics argue that Democratic policies have allowed such gangs to operate freely in sanctuary cities
GPS Technology Leads to Major Gang Bust
Federal authorities have dealt a significant blow to the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, arresting several members in a strategic raid on a Bronx apartment. The operation, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the NYPD’s federal task force, was made possible by tracking an ICE ankle monitor signal. This technological advantage led agents directly to the gang’s hideout, which was alarmingly close to a daycare facility.
The raid resulted in the arrest of 22 suspected gang members, with operations extending to Brooklyn as well. Among those apprehended was Jarwin Valero-Calderon, a key figure whose ankle monitor inadvertently exposed the gang’s location. Valero-Calderon’s criminal history spans multiple states, and despite a previous deportation order, he had managed to evade authorities until now.
Tren de Aragua: A Growing Threat in Sanctuary Cities
The Tren de Aragua gang, originating from Venezuela, has been infiltrating the United States since 2022, exploiting the migrant crisis to establish a foothold in major cities. New York City, with its sanctuary policies, has become a prime target for the gang’s criminal activities. The group is involved in a wide range of illegal operations, including theft, robbery, drug and gun trafficking, and human exploitation.
The gang’s reach extends beyond adult criminals. They’ve established an underage offshoot known as “Diablos de la 42,” which recruits minors for criminal activities. This tactic allows the gang to exploit weak juvenile detention laws, particularly in areas like Times Square, where they’ve been linked to numerous crimes.
GANGS OF NEW YORK: Federal Agents Raid Tren de Aragua Hideout in the Bronx: Reporthttps://t.co/Qa6qHtsePi
— Sean Hannity 🇺🇸 (@seanhannity) December 20, 2024
Political Fallout and Calls for Action
The successful raid has ignited a fierce debate over immigration policies and law enforcement cooperation. New York City Council Member Joe Borelli didn’t mince words when addressing the situation:
“This is a gang that set up camp in our city, and it is beyond the pale that the Democratic Party is entrenched against having the NYPD cooperate with ICE to remove them.”
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis echoed these sentiments, calling on Mayor Eric Adams to take immediate action:
“It’s good news that we’re hearing Eric Adams change tune, but quite frankly, he has the ability right now under existing law to cooperate with Ice detainer requests for people who are hardened criminals for violent offenders, for sex offenders.”
These arrests highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of sanctuary city policies and improved cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The safety of our communities must take precedence over political agendas that inadvertently shield dangerous criminals from justice.
A Wake-Up Call for Urban Safety
The Tren de Aragua gang bust serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked illegal immigration and lax law enforcement policies. As these criminal organizations continue to exploit loopholes and sanctuary protections, it’s clear that a more robust and coordinated approach is needed to safeguard our cities.