A dangerous Venezuelan gang, known as "Anti-Tren," is emerging as a significant criminal threat to rural America, potentially more violent than its notorious predecessor, Tren de Aragua. Experts and federal authorities warn that this gang, comprised mainly of former Tren de Aragua members, is rapidly expanding its violent criminal operations in the United States.
In a recent federal indictment unsealed in April 2025, prosecutors charged 21 men associated with Anti-Tren for operating extensive drug and prostitution networks in New York City. The indictment explicitly details how Anti-Tren members safeguard their criminal empire through violent methods, including assaults, murders, and explicit threats against Tren de Aragua members and associates.
Robert Charles, former Assistant Secretary of State at the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and current gubernatorial candidate for Maine, provided a stark warning about the group’s aggressive nature. According to Charles, Anti-Tren's drive to establish itself distinctly from Tren de Aragua includes adopting even more extreme violence, mirroring the trajectory seen in other notorious gangs such as MS-13.
"I've read some of the public accounts that suggest this offshoot group is trying to distinguish itself by being more violent," Charles explained, adding that the gang’s modus operandi involves territorial dominance achieved through ruthless intimidation and exploitation.
Federal officials have identified numerous illegal activities perpetrated by Anti-Tren, including the smuggling and sex trafficking of young Venezuelan women, armed robberies, and extensive drug trafficking. The gang’s operations have increasingly targeted vulnerable populations in rural America, exploiting limited law enforcement resources in these areas.
"They are taking advantage of rural America," Charles emphasized. "Criminals are bad guys, but they're not stupid. They look for opportunities to maximize their gain with the least possible risk."
One notable incident highlighting Anti-Tren’s violent capacity occurred in September 2024, in a wealthy suburb of Dallas, Texas. A woman returning home from dinner was violently robbed at gunpoint by suspects allegedly affiliated with Anti-Tren. The attackers pistol-whipped, tied up, and threatened the victim, eventually stealing valuables amounting to over \$75,000, including luxury handbags, jewelry, and coins. Records obtained following the incident indicated direct links to the Anti-Tren gang, though local authorities did not publicly confirm this connection.
Charles advocates immediate action to suppress Anti-Tren’s spread, underscoring the danger of neglecting such groups. "If you look away, pretend it's not important, or appease it instead of deterring it, absolutely it will grow. That's just the nature of crime," he warned.
Authorities stress the urgent need for increased vigilance and resources in rural areas traditionally lacking comprehensive law enforcement infrastructure. Without significant intervention, Anti-Tren's potential for violence and exploitation threatens to become a grave concern across rural American communities.
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