Why do I keep thinking that somewhere I read that TdA was sponsored by Venezuela? If so, that would definitely make them “Alien Enemies.” Does anybody else remember this?
There have also been allegations that TdA grew significantly while Tareck El Aissami served as governor of Aragua, Venezuela, between 2012 and 2017. Some reports claim that the gang has infiltrated Venezuela’s military and law enforcement, further strengthening its operations.
I read that Maduro purposely sent TdA to the US to disrupt our country.
AI Overview (YMMV)
The query “TdA was sponsored by Venezuela” is likely referring to the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang and its alleged ties to the Venezuelan government. It’s important to clarify that there’s no evidence suggesting Venezuela directly sponsors the Tren de Aragua gang, according to U.S. intelligence agencies and various news sources.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
1. What is Tren de Aragua (TdA)?
Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan transnational criminal organization that originated in a prison and has expanded its operations throughout South America and into the United States.
It’s involved in various criminal activities, including human smuggling, drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping.
2. Allegations of Venezuelan Government Sponsorship:
The Trump administration has claimed that the TdA is a state-sponsored organization acting at the direction of the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
This claim has been used to justify extreme immigration enforcement measures, including the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged TdA members.
3. Contradictory Evidence:
U.S. intelligence agencies have found little evidence that the Venezuelan government directly controls or sponsors the TdA.
A declassified memo from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded that while some low-level contacts might exist, there’s no evidence of widespread, organized cooperation.
In fact, the memo suggests that the Maduro regime views the gang as a threat.
This contradicts the Trump administration’s claim that the gang is a tool of the Maduro regime.
4. TdA’s Expansion and Activities:
The gang has expanded its operations, particularly in countries with large Venezuelan migrant populations.
It has been linked to various crimes in the U.S..
However, its presence and influence in the U.S. are still under investigation, and its size and capabilities are subject to debate.
In conclusion: While the Trump administration has asserted that the TdA is backed by the Venezuelan government, U.S. intelligence agencies have not found evidence to support this claim. The TdA is a dangerous criminal organization, but its relationship with the Venezuelan government is complex and not fully understood.