Tren de Aragua gang member arrested in El Paso days after denial of gang issues

A member of the Tren de Aragua gang was apprehended in El Paso, Texas, shortly after local officials denied the presence of gang issues in the city. This arrest comes amid claims from Texas Governor Greg Abbott that El Paso has become a hub for the Venezuelan gang, which has been linked to various criminal activities. El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser refuted these claims, asserting that the city is safe and that there is no substantial evidence of gang activity. He emphasized that only one confirmed member had been previously involved, and that individual is no longer in the U.S. The situation escalated following a lawsuit filed by the El Paso County Attorney, which highlighted deteriorating conditions at the Gateway Hotel, a location reportedly taken over by gang members. The hotel became notorious for drug use and violence, with incidents occurring in plain sight of children. Despite the alarming reports, local leaders maintained that crime rates in the city had decreased by 10% over the past ten months. Law enforcement officials acknowledged the sophistication of the Tren de Aragua organization, which has been linked to a broader wave of crime across American cities. The state’s public safety secretary noted that the gang operates primarily from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, complicating efforts to address their activities in the U.S. The Gateway Hotel has since been closed, although not specifically due to gang activity. The arrest of the gang member has reignited discussions about the presence of organized crime in El Paso, challenging the narrative put forth by local officials. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the community remains on alert regarding the potential implications of gang activity in the area.