The United States and Canada have joined forces to combat the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, signaling a new era in cross-border law enforcement collaboration.
At a Glance
- INTERPOL Washington and National Central Bureau Ottawa signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to fight Tren de Aragua
- The agreement aims to enhance information sharing and coordinated law enforcement efforts
- Tren de Aragua has expanded into North America, exploiting recent migration patterns
- Recent arrests in the U.S. highlight the gang’s growing presence and the need for action
- The partnership was established during the INTERPOL Heads of National Central Bureaus Conference in Lyon, France
A United Front Against Transnational Crime
In a significant move to combat transnational crime, INTERPOL Washington and National Central Bureau Ottawa have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) targeting the Tren de Aragua (TdA) criminal organization. This dangerous gang, originally from Venezuela, has been exploiting recent migration patterns to expand its operations into North America, prompting urgent action from law enforcement agencies.
The agreement, signed on February 13 during the INTERPOL Heads of National Central Bureaus Conference in Lyon, France, marks a historic partnership between the United States and Canada. It focuses on enhancing cross-border law enforcement collaboration through robust information sharing, coordinated support, and strengthened border security efforts.
Strengthening International Cooperation
The MOC outlines several key areas of cooperation, including the enhancement of criminal intelligence exchange, coordination of joint investigations, and strengthening mechanisms to detect and prevent illicit cross-border activities. This comprehensive approach aims to create a united front against the TdA and similar transnational criminal organizations.
“Today, we have taken a great leap forward in our fight to eradicate TdA in the United States,” Director Grimming said. “By bringing our combined law enforcement resources to bear, the United States and Canada have ensured that TdA will find no safe harbor in either of our nations. Together, as partners, we will work in lockstep to disrupt and dismantle TdA and remove their violent criminal operatives from our communities.”
Recent Arrests Underscore Urgency
The timing of this partnership is particularly significant, coming just before a series of high-profile arrests in the United States linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the arrest of eight individuals in Tennessee, charged with commercial sex and human trafficking.
“Tackling Transnational Criminal Organizations like TdA requires transnational cooperation,” National Central Bureau Ottawa Director Marie-Josee Homsy said. “These groups threaten security and stability across the Americas. This signing is an example of the strong collaboration that takes place between Canadian and American authorities every day – as well as the power and reach of INTERPOL capabilities. By working together, we can dismantle criminal networks, protect our communities, and reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law.”
