Recently leaked U.S. Army documents reveal there’s a growing threat of one of Venezuela’s largest criminal organizations in the U.S.
The memo as reported by O’Keefe Media Group sent to local and state authorities says, “coordinated efforts between local, state, federal law enforcement, and the military are crucial” to protect against these expanding threats.”
The migrant gang Tren de Aragua’s activities in Illinois, according to the memo, include: drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and murder.
State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, explained that gang members go after vulnerable people in city migrant shelters.
“The gangs, whether they are from here or abroad, will always try to manipulate the folks that are most vulnerable. They are vulnerable because they’re in a spot where they have no idea what’s going on around them because they’re not from here,” said Cabello, who also serves as a detective for Rockford Police. “It’s easier to recruit people because they [migrants in shelters] can’t get a normal job because they’re here illegally.”
Cabello explained the memo doesn’t mean Illinois will start investigations. The memo provides an overview of TdA expansion and operational activities in eight states: Texas, Nevada, Illinois, California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and New York.
“It’s [the memo] saying, ‘This could be in your area.’ It doesn’t mean we are going to start an investigation because a memo came out,” said Cabello. “You fix this on the federal government’s side by not allowing illegal aliens into the country.”
Also detailed in the memo are phrases, tattoo identifiers and symbols used by TdA. According to the memo, TdA attire may include Chicago Bulls jerseys or Jordan brand apparel.
Cabello is also calling on the legislature to repeal the TRUST Act, so Illinois law enforcement can work with federal agencies to enforce federal immigration law and deport migrant gang members.
In September, viral social media posts of a 911 call suggested armed Venezuelan gang members were taking over a Chicago building. The Chicago Police Department confirmed they responded to the location of the viral call, for a “call of service.”
“There were multiple calls about the 6100 block of South King Drive, possible disturbance, large gathering, 32 Venezuelans trespassing the building, showing guns in the courtyard and they have motorcycles, all stairwells filled,” said a CPD dispatcher.
Officers later declared the response a “miscellaneous incident code,” or “coded out” the call, and CPD did not confirm if the disturbance was caused by Venezuelan gang members.
Chicago police have stressed they do not disclose suspects’ immigration status.
Cabello explained Illinois enacting the TRUST Act prohibits law enforcement from working with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“That’s why we have bills out there trying to repeal the TRUST Act,” siad Cabello.
Sitting in committee is House Bill 4187, which would repeal the TRUST Act. Co-sponsoring that legislation is a slew of Republicans including House Minority leader Tony McCombie and Cabello.
