The government of Chihuahua has announced the creation of a special unit to combat the Tren de Aragua, a criminal organization originating from Venezuela that has expanded throughout Mexico and has ties with other gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha. Gilberto Loya Chávez, Secretary of State Public Security (SSPE), explained that a group of agents has been assigned to investigate and gather information about this gang, which operates under a discreet 'modus operandi' and collaborates with local gangs.
Loya Chávez emphasized that the agents specialized in combating organized crime have received training in the United States, Colombia, and El Salvador, countries that have experience in dealing with such groups. This strategy is based on lessons shared during the visit of Chilean and Salvadoran experts to the State Public Security Secretariat in August, where investigation techniques and combating Tren de Aragua were discussed.
Tren de Aragua, which emerged in the Tocorón prison in Venezuela, has expanded into Mexico, engaging in activities such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
"Despite having some information thanks to data exchange with the United States, we have still not been able to identify the key leaders of the group or establish a clear traceability of their operations in the state," Loya Chávez mentioned during a press conference. He also highlighted that Tren de Aragua has 'mimetized' with other gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha, Barrio 18, and Los Bravos of Colombia.
As part of the effort to combat this threat, Loya Chávez held a meeting with Rosa Delmy Cañas, the Ambassador of El Salvador, to establish joint agreements on strategies for citizen protection and combating crime. This collaboration aims to strengthen actions against organized crime and improve security in both nations.
