First Colorado, Now UTAH, in Crosshairs of Venezuelan Gangs

A notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, has made its way to Utah, causing concern among residents and law enforcement officials.

At a Glance

  • Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, has been identified in Utah
  • The gang’s presence is not extensive, but it has been linked to at least two criminal incidents since September
  • Local authorities and residents are concerned about the gang’s impact on community safety
  • Law enforcement is working to address the issue through multi-agency cooperation
  • The situation has sparked debate about immigration policies and public safety measures

Gang Presence in Utah

Utah, often perceived as a peaceful state, is now grappling with the presence of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization. While the gang’s footprint in the state is not extensive, its activities have raised concerns among residents and officials. The Utah Department of Public Safety has acknowledged the gang’s presence, stating, “While TdA members are present nationally, local authorities believe their presence in Utah is not extensive. Utah’s largest criminal gangs continue to be the Sureños, Norteños, Bloods and Crips.”

Despite the limited presence, the gang has been linked to at least two criminal incidents in Utah since September. One incident in Herriman involved gunfire and a car crash, while another in Millcreek led to arrests related to assault and prostitution. These events have heightened concerns about public safety in traditionally peaceful communities.

Law Enforcement Response

Utah law enforcement agencies are taking the threat seriously while being cautious in their public statements. Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith expressed the challenges they face: “Because of the open border, we know that we’ve been flooded with all sorts of problems into our nation and into our state, and we’re dealing with them as they surface. It’s hard to quantify what’s here. We know (Tren de Aragua is) here, and we’re trying to do the best we can, as it starts to surface, to handle it.”

“I am very aware of TdA and its presence in our area,” Utah Rep. Candice Pierucci said.

The response to the gang’s activities has involved multiple levels of law enforcement. In Aurora, Colorado, a special task force has been established to address concerns about Tren de Aragua and other criminal activities affecting migrant communities. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has also provided additional resources to combat the issue.

Impact on Communities

The presence of Tren de Aragua has had a significant impact on some Utah residents. In Riverton, a suburb of Salt Lake City, local resident Carlos Hernandez claims his family has been threatened by the gang. Hernandez expressed frustration with the local police response, stating they have not taken the gang threat seriously despite provided evidence and experienced violence.

Hernandez told TPM that “Authorities were going to relocate me and my family, they were going to change my house because we are victims of attempted homicide here in the United States, they said that they were going to help us’.”

The situation has prompted action from local officials. Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and plans to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to address the issue. This move reflects the growing concern among Utah residents about the impact of gang activities on their communities.

Broader Implications

The presence of Tren de Aragua in Utah has reignited debates about immigration policies and public safety measures. Governor Spencer Cox has expressed concern about the gang as part of broader illegal immigration issues. The situation challenges the traditional image of Utah, once described by sportscaster Bob Costas as “the land of the blonde and the bland.”

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