Authorities in New York City have detained two individuals linked to the violent Tren de Aragua gang, believed to have participated in a home invasion in Aurora, Colorado. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrests of Denyeer Aramillo Meneses, 23, and Edison Peña Angulo, 25, during a coordinated operation in the Bronx. The effort was conducted by a task force involving local police and federal Homeland Security agents.
The two suspects are connected to an August incident where a group of armed individuals forcibly entered apartments at The Edge at Lowry Complex in Aurora. Video footage shows the men knocking on doors and threatening residents. During the invasion, one individual, Oswaldo Jose Dabion Araujo, tragically lost his life. Aurora police had previously issued warrants for Meneses and Peña Angulo in October on charges of first-degree burglary and menacing with a firearm.
The Tren de Aragua gang, originally established within Venezuela’s prison system, has grown into an international crime network. In the United States, its operations include drug trafficking, fraud, and violent offenses. The gang has been linked to the distribution of synthetic marijuana, heroin, and a drug known as Tussi, with a presence in areas like the Bronx and Lower Manhattan. Their reach extends beyond New York, however, with documented activities in states such as Texas, Colorado, and others. Their criminal activities also include extortion schemes and credit card fraud, further highlighting their expansive influence.
During the raid that led to the arrests, investigators seized firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items. While federal charges against the suspects remain sealed, authorities confirm their role in ongoing criminal operations.
The gang has also been implicated in additional violent incidents. In Aurora, Tren de Aragua reportedly took control of apartment complexes, charging residents for “protection” and engaging in coercive practices. Law enforcement agencies across multiple states are actively working to dismantle the organization’s influence.
The group’s leader, Jhonardy Jose Pacheco-Chirino, known as “Galleta,” has been linked to other violent crimes, including physical assaults and shootouts. Officials highlight the gang’s ability to disrupt communities through intimidation and violence, with its members often targeting vulnerable populations.
Tren de Aragua’s presence in the U.S. poses ongoing challenges to law enforcement, who have tied the gang to incidents in Texas, New York, and Colorado. Efforts to curtail its activities remain a high priority for federal and local agencies, with a focus on protecting communities from further harm.
As authorities continue to investigate the gang’s operations, the arrests of Meneses and Peña Angulo mark an important step in addressing the broader network of Tren de Aragua. Law enforcement agencies emphasize the need for vigilance and collaboration to combat the evolving threat posed by transnational criminal organizations.
Red = Confirmed presence
Pink = Reported presence
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