The city of El Paso, Texas, is grappling with a surge in criminal activity, allegedly orchestrated by the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA).
The gang, infamous for its involvement in human trafficking and exploitation, has reportedly taken control of a downtown motel, transforming it into a hub of illicit activities.
According to the Daily Mail, the El Paso County Attorney has filed a lawsuit against Gateway Hotel owner Howard Yun, accusing him of negligence in controlling the conduct of his guests and allowing gang activity to permeate the area. The lawsuit alleges that the motel has become a hotbed for drug use, violence, and sexual activity, often occurring within sight of children.
The lawsuit further details a litany of crimes that have been investigated at the Gateway Hotel, including drug offenses, aggravated assaults, disorderly conduct, fights, terroristic threats, and a case of indecency with a child. The situation has reportedly worsened with the arrival of the TdA gang. The motel, offering low daily rates, has become a magnet for migrants, some of whom have been victimized by the gang members.
One particularly disturbing incident involved a 14-year-old girl who feared she had been sexually assaulted by a migrant. The girl, who had met the Spanish-speaking man at a convenience store, was invited to stay at the Gateway Hotel. The lawsuit alleges that the man touched her inappropriately and she woke up the next day with her pants partially removed and discomfort in her genital area.
The TdA gang, dubbed the "epitome of evil," has a notorious reputation for its brutal crimes. Congressman Tony Gonzales, who represents El Paso, said, "This gang is known to rape children, spearhead murders, and cause widespread chaos." The gang has reportedly set up its new headquarters across the border in Juarez, Mexico, causing concern among El Paso officials about potential spillover of gang violence into their city.
The gang's presence in Juarez has also raised alarm among Mexican authorities. Gilberto Loya, the state secretary of public safety, revealed that tracking the gang has been challenging due to their non-traditional behavior. The gang members do not exhibit specific characteristics or speak in a particular way, making them difficult to identify.
Despite these challenges, the TdA gang continues to exploit desperate migrants in Northern Mexico. The gang members charge exorbitant fees to smuggle migrants to the US border and into Texas. In some cases, they kidnap migrants who have reached the US-Mexico border independently, seeking to extract even more money.
Carlos Manuel Salas, a Mexico state prosecutor, confirmed the gang's control over migrant movement, stating, "According to the security reports we have, this group of Venezuelans, Tren de Aragua, control which migrants can ride the train." This refers to the many migrants who ride atop trains in Mexico to reach Juarez, in an attempt to avoid the arduous journey by foot.
The presence of the TdA gang in Mexico has instilled fear among migrants, many of whom are fleeing the very violence the gang has perpetuated in their homeland. As El Paso and Juarez authorities work to combat this growing threat, the plight of these migrants underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address the complex issues of gang violence and human trafficking.
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