A Venezuelan gang member’s attempt to evade capture in drag was foiled by his deep voice, leading to his arrest in Aurora, Colorado.
At a Glance
- Niefred Serpa-Acosta, a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, was arrested in Aurora, Colorado
- He attempted to evade police by disguising himself in women’s clothing
- Serpa-Acosta is accused of participating in a brutal kidnapping and torture of a migrant couple
- The Tren de Aragua gang has been linked to various violent crimes across the U.S.
- Authorities are working to dismantle the gang’s operations in the area
Failed Disguise Leads to Arrest
In a bizarre turn of events, Niefred Serpa-Acosta, a member of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was apprehended by law enforcement in Aurora, Colorado. The gang member’s attempt to evade capture by donning women’s clothing was ultimately thwarted when his deep voice gave away his true identity. Serpa-Acosta’s arrest comes in connection with a brutal kidnapping case involving a migrant couple, highlighting the violent nature of the gang’s operations.
“This gives a whole new meaning to transnational gangs in Aurora,” Danielle Jurinsky said.
The arrest of Serpa-Acosta sheds light on the growing concern over the Tren de Aragua gang’s presence in the United States. Originating in a Venezuelan prison, the gang has expanded its reach as Venezuelans fled economic turmoil under President Nicolás Maduro’s regime. The gang’s criminal activities include extortion, home invasions, and various violent crimes, making them a significant threat to public safety.
Tren de Aragua’s Expanding Influence
The Tren de Aragua gang has been rapidly expanding its presence across the United States, with reports indicating that the group now operates in at least 17 states. This expansion has raised alarms among law enforcement agencies and politicians alike. The gang’s notoriety has led to increased scrutiny, with the Biden administration sanctioning the group and offering rewards for the arrest of its leaders.
“What sets this group apart is the level of violence,” Wes Tabor said.
The gang’s activities have not gone unnoticed by political figures. Eleven Republican senators, led by Sen. Marco Rubio, have called for a coordinated strategy to combat the gang, criticizing the current administration’s immigration enforcement policies. They argue that weak border control has allowed the gang to exploit migration routes and expand their criminal network within the United States.
The Tren de Aragua gang is a threat to all our communities. Today I led my Missouri Republican colleagues in demanding that President Biden keep these dangerous illegal immigrant gang members out of our communities and out of our country. pic.twitter.com/vaKGIimVfc
— Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) November 20, 2024
Ongoing Investigations and Arrests
The arrest of Serpa-Acosta is part of a larger effort by law enforcement to crack down on Tren de Aragua’s operations. In the recent kidnapping case in Aurora, eight gang members, including Serpa-Acosta, have been charged. Police are investigating additional migrants for potential involvement and are actively seeking three other suspects related to the case.
The gang’s activities are not limited to Colorado. In North Dakota, suspected gang member Henry Theis, 25, was arrested for felony theft in West Fargo after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of over $24,000 in stolen cash and other suspicious items. These incidents highlight the gang’s widespread criminal activities and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating their influence.
“Tren de Aragua now has a presence in 17 states,” Congressman Troy E. Nehls, R-Texas said.
As authorities continue their efforts to dismantle the Tren de Aragua gang, the case of Niefred Serpa-Acosta serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies at local, state, and federal levels to effectively combat these threats to public safety.
