Law enforcement in West Fargo, North Dakota, is pleading for federal assistance as the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua continues to expand its reach into new states. Police Chief Pete Nielsen says his officers are doing their best with limited resources but feel abandoned by federal authorities.
The gang’s presence in North Dakota became clear last month when suspected member Henry Theis, 25, was arrested for stealing $100,000 by hacking ATMs. Theis had crossed the border illegally into Texas in 2023 and was released into the U.S. by border agents. He was arrested for a DWI in Texas in August but was released before his capture in North Dakota.
I joined @MorningsMaria on @FoxBusiness to discuss the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, strategically decoupling from China, and getting our border under control. The arrest of a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member in North Dakota is proof every state is a border… pic.twitter.com/4OkD1k3Xyo
— Senator Kevin Cramer (@SenKevinCramer) December 10, 2024
Nielsen said his department is monitoring other suspected gang members in the area but is struggling to address crimes that cross state lines without federal support. “If you don’t have federal help on these crimes crossing all these different state lines, it’s difficult for local police to enforce some of this,” Nielsen explained.
Theis’ arrest highlights the vulnerabilities in the immigration system, with Nielsen noting his concern over repeated releases of illegal immigrants who commit crimes. ICE has since lodged a detainer to take Theis into custody, but Nielsen emphasized the need for federal intervention to prevent future cases.
West Fargo, ND Police Chief Pete Nielsen told NYP that he begged the Federal Government for help after Tren de Aragua members came to his city, and they basically ignored him.
North Dakota is now the 17th state with a Tren de Aragua presence.
January 20th can’t come soon… pic.twitter.com/oYOccEvE2l
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 15, 2024
A suspected member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was arrested in North Dakota.
Tren de Aragua now has a presence in 17 states.
I look forward to working with President Trump to secure our border and restore safety in our communities. pic.twitter.com/ctCU9LCZui
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) December 10, 2024
Tren de Aragua, known for violent crimes and financial fraud, has now been identified in 17 states, according to law enforcement. Critics of the Biden administration argue that lax border policies have enabled the gang’s expansion and left local communities to deal with the consequences.
Nielsen expressed hope that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration will provide the support needed to address the issue. He said his department is prepared to assist with mass deportations and other federal initiatives to remove illegal immigrants involved in crime from his community.
The growing presence of Tren de Aragua in the U.S. underscores the challenges faced by local law enforcement and the urgent need for federal collaboration to combat the gang’s influence.
