run jail with guns, flamingos and enemy

Tocorón prison in Venezuela, notorious for its extreme violence, was recently reclaimed by government forces after years of gang control. The Tren de Aragua gang, led by Héctor Guerrero Flores, had established a mini-community within the prison, complete with a zoo and a nightclub, where inmates lived with their families. The government deployed 11,000 troops to regain control, following reports of the gang's activities from local aid organizations. During the operation, many relatives of inmates were expelled from the facility. The prison's environment was marked by a culture of violence, with inmates reportedly using firearms to settle disputes. Despite the absence of a death penalty in Venezuela, the threat of death loomed large for those incarcerated. The gang's influence extended beyond the prison walls, as they were also linked to criminal activities in Texas, where they allegedly took over a motel, prompting local officials to take action against it. The operation to reclaim Tocorón prison was orchestrated as part of a broader strategy by the Venezuelan government, which is perceived by many as a dictatorship. This move may be an attempt to improve the government's image ahead of upcoming elections. Senior gang leaders managed to escape during the raid, and the whereabouts of Flores remain unknown, raising concerns about the ongoing influence of the gang. The situation in Tocorón prison highlights the challenges faced by the Venezuelan government in combating organized crime and restoring order within its penal system. The reclaiming of the prison is a significant step, but the escape of gang leaders suggests that the fight against such criminal organizations is far from over.