The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation TBI is urgently addressing the growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang with operations reportedly expanding throughout major cities in Tennessee.
TBI Director David Rausch highlighted the group’s increasing violence and involvement in human trafficking and retail theft, cautioning that they’re now on the brink of infiltrating the local drug trade.
During a recent budget hearing, Rausch informed Governor Bill Lee of the escalating threat and sought additional funding to counteract the gang’s activities.
Rausch referenced a recent incident where the gang filmed the murder of a cartel member, shooting him 31 times in broad daylight and posting the footage online, underscoring their willingness to engage in extreme violence.
Congressman Andy Ogles expressed similar concerns, attributing the spread of such criminal organizations to the national immigration crisis.
Ogles emphasized the need for prioritizing deportation of individuals with violent intentions, and he noted recent discussions with President-elect Donald Trump about potential federal actions to address this issue.
Previously, TBI identified Tren de Aragua members in Tennessee through a human trafficking case involving abducted Venezuelan women. Following the bust, many members disappeared, only to reappear now, sparking urgent calls for intervention and heightened security across the state.