First Colorado-Now WHERE Are the Venezuelan Gangs Terrorizing Americans?

Utah’s tranquil cities of Herriman and Riverton face an unexpected challenge as the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua infiltrates their communities, leaving residents on edge and local authorities scrambling for solutions.

At a Glance

  • Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, has been identified in Utah, linked to at least two criminal incidents since September.
  • Incidents in Herriman and Millcreek involved alleged gang members in confrontations and criminal activities, including assault and prostitution.
  • The gang’s influence has spread to nearby Riverton, affecting local residents like Carlos Hernandez, whose family has been threatened.
  • Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and plans to cooperate with ICE.
  • Utah law enforcement is cautious in public statements about Tren de Aragua, acknowledging their presence but not extensive activity.

Gang Activity Surfaces in Utah’s Peaceful Communities

The once-peaceful suburbs of Herriman and Riverton, Utah, are grappling with an unexpected surge in crime attributed to the Tren de Aragua gang, a notorious criminal organization from Venezuela. This alarming development has shattered the sense of security in these traditionally tranquil communities, leaving residents fearful and local authorities struggling to respond effectively.

The presence of Tren de Aragua in Utah has been confirmed by law enforcement agencies, though they emphasize that the gang’s footprint is not yet extensive. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, “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.”

Violent Incidents Shake Local Communities

The impact of Tren de Aragua’s activities became undeniable following a September incident in Herriman that involved gunfire and a car crash. This event, coupled with other criminal activities in nearby Millcreek, has raised serious concerns among residents and local officials alike. The gang is reportedly involved in a range of illegal activities, including forced labor, sextortion, prostitution, drug trafficking, extortion, theft, and burglary.

“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,” Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith said.

The severity of the situation is exemplified by the case of Carlos Hernandez, a Riverton resident whose family has been threatened by the gang. Hernandez’s experience highlights the growing fear within the community and the perceived inadequacy of local law enforcement’s response.

Local and State Response to the Growing Threat

As the threat posed by Tren de Aragua becomes more apparent, local and state officials are beginning to take action. Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and has expressed his intention to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to address the issue. This move signifies a growing recognition of the need for federal collaboration in combating the gang’s activities.

“I am very aware of TdA and its presence in our area,” Utah Rep. Candice Pierucci stated, reflecting the increasing concern among political leaders about the gang’s influence.

Governor Spencer Cox has also expressed concern about the gang as part of broader illegal immigration issues, indicating that the problem has caught the attention of the highest levels of state government. The involvement of federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which has provided additional resources to combat the issue, underscores the gravity of the situation.

As Utah grapples with this unexpected challenge, the contrast between its traditional image and the current reality is stark. The state, once described by sportscaster Bob Costas as “the land of the blonde and the bland,” now finds itself at the forefront of a complex battle against organized crime, testing the resilience of its communities and the effectiveness of its law enforcement agencies.