Venezuelan gang takes over El Paso hotel, sparking chaos

The Gateway hotel in El Paso has become a center of chaos due to the violent activities of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Authorities report nearly 700 calls to the police regarding incidents at the hotel, including fights, drug use, and gunfire, often occurring in the presence of children. Surveillance footage reveals alarming scenes of violence, with individuals brandishing weapons and engaging in dangerous behavior. Local officials are now taking action to shut down the hotel, which they deem a significant threat to community safety. The situation escalated when two Venezuelan migrants linked to the gang fled to a Motel 6 in El Paso after allegedly participating in a violent robbery in Denver. This highlights the hotel’s role as a waypoint for gang members entering the U.S. and seeking refuge before moving to larger cities. The presence of gang members has raised concerns among law enforcement, who have noted the tattoo identifiers associated with Tren de Aragua among several individuals at the hotel. The county attorney has described the conditions at the Gateway hotel as deplorable, with evidence of rampant criminal activity and a lack of oversight from the owner, Howard Yun. Despite attempts to bring the hotel up to code, it has remained a hub for illegal activities. A judge has issued a temporary order for all residents to vacate the premises, reflecting the urgency of the situation and the need for community safety. As local officials work to regain control of the hotel, the broader implications of gang activity in El Paso are becoming increasingly evident. The Tren de Aragua gang's presence not only threatens the immediate area but also poses a challenge for law enforcement as they combat transnational crime and its impact on local communities.