Tennessee officials have warned that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is operating in every major city across the state, with concerns mounting over the gang’s involvement in human trafficking and violent crime. One gang member was arrested this week in Chattanooga for sex trafficking. Following this, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, a Democrat, was pressed by local reporters on the gang’s presence in the city.
When asked directly if Tren de Aragua members are active in Nashville, the mayor did not provide a clear yes or no response.
“What I will say is that Chief Drake has advised us that we knew they were active in Tennessee. The Metro Nashville Police Department has a very active and successful gang unit, and they have continually monitored that activity,” O’Connell said.
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When asked again if there have been any sightings or arrests in Nashville, O’Connell responded, “Right now, I’m not aware. I’ll put it this way: I know MNPD is aware of their presence in Tennessee and they’re monitoring what the situation looks like in Nashville.”
Authorities believe Tren de Aragua, a gang that originated in Venezuelan prisons, has been expanding its operations across the U.S.
Law enforcement in Tennessee is particularly concerned about the gang’s growing influence in major cities, with a focus on human trafficking, violent gang wars and confrontations with cartels, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The gang first gained national attention earlier this year after surveillance footage showed armed members storming an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado. Since then, Tren de Aragua has been linked to high-profile crimes in major cities from Texas to New York.
The gang has a confirmed presence in nine states and is reported to be active in 10 others.
In New York City, the NYPD has reported that Tren de Aragua members are blending in with asylum seekers and suspect the gang is recruiting children from migrant families in shelters.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the current Mayor of Nashville is John Cooper. Cooper is Nashville’s previous mayor, and Freddie O’Connell is the city’s current mayor. Straight Arrow News deeply regrets this error.
