Crime Expert Warns a New South American Gang ‘More Violent’ Than Tren de Aragua Is Preying on Rural America
A new Venezuelan gang called the Anti-Tren has emerged as a notable threat to rural communities in the United States, particularly as they challenge the notorious Tren de aragua gang. This gang has recently gained attention after over 20 members were arrested in New York City by federal authorities. Robert Charles, a former U.S. State Department official, highlighted that the Anti-Tren gang aims to distinguish itself by being more violent and may leverage environments with limited law enforcement presence to establish control and engage in criminal activities, including human trafficking.
Charles emphasized that rural areas frequently enough lack the necessary infrastructure to combat such gangs, making them appealing targets for criminal organizations that seek to exploit vulnerable populations. He warned that if law enforcement does not address the threat posed by the Anti-Tren gang swiftly, it could grow in numbers and influence. Recent federal indictments describe the gang’s activities, including violent acts aimed at preserving their territory and power. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned those arrested, describing them as dangerous criminals preying on vulnerable individuals.
A rival Venezuelan gang that is taking on the vicious Tren de Aragua gang could pose a serious threat to rural communities, according to one expert.
The Anti-Tren gang surfaced earlier this year and hit the headlines last month after more than 20 alleged members of the gang were arrested in New York City by the Trump administration’s Department of Justice, according to Fox News.
Robert Charles, a former assistant Secretary of State at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, said the gang could take root in areas where law enforcement is sparse.
“I’ve read some of the public accounts that suggest that this offshoot group is trying to distinguish itself by being more violent,” Charles said. “With MS-13, they had various tests and things that they went through, and there were offshoots there that became more violent than the original group.”
Charles said Anti-Tren, and gangs like it, seek to carve out enclaves where they wield power and control.
“They are also doing violence in an environment which they’re taking advantage of people. They’re taking advantage of the homeless. They’re taking advantage of rural America,” he said.
Rural communities are often areas of least resistance, he said.
“We don’t have the infrastructure in a very rural state to put patrols up through the northern part of the state and, frankly, to even keep drugs from coming in and the gangs from coming here,” Charles said, referring to his home state of Maine.
“Criminals are bad guys, but they are not stupid. And so what they look for is they look for opportunities to maximize their gain with the least possible risk,” he explained.
Charles as the small group battles Tren de Aragua, from which it draws many members, authorities need to squash the gang while they can.
“I think right now their numbers are relatively modest. If you look away from it, if you pretend that it’s not important, if you appease it instead of deterring it, then absolutely it will grow. That’s just the nature of crime,” he said.
A federal indictment last month said the gang was a threat in New York City.
“Preserving and protecting the power and territory of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at members and associates of Tren de Aragua,” the indictment said.
The indictment also accused Anti-Tren members of human trafficking.
The terrifying NEW migrant super gang threatening to unleash terror and chaos across America https://t.co/aihhmEn5jF
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 5, 2025
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the Anti-Tren gang members arrested “some very, very bad people,” according to the New York Post.
“They targeted vulnerable women from Venezuela, forcing them into sex work and threatening to kill their families if they didn’t comply,” Tisch said. “These are depraved criminals … with absolutely no regard for human life.”
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...