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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Memphis Police Department has confirmed reported activity by a Venezuelan gang known for its involvement in human trafficking, drug trafficking, and organized theft.
According to a spokesperson for MPD, two incidents involving the gang have been reported in the Bluff City so far.
Back in 2023, police discovered graffiti identifying the gang in the Appling Farms area. More recently, on Tuesday, November 19, officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Luis Alejandro (Ruiz-Godoy) for outstanding warrants with Interpol related to his gang involvement. He was taken to Louisiana to be deported.
During a budget hearing earlier this month, TBI Director David Rausch confirmed the gang’s presence in Tennessee when he told Governor Lee that “Tren De Aragua” has been active “in every major city in our state.”
Police departments in other cities, however, have not been quick to acknowledge the gang’s presence in their areas.
Law enforcement agencies in Metro Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga have denied having any evidence of the gang being active.
A statement from the Knoxville Police Department stated that “while KPD OCU detectives are aware of the gang, they are not aware of any active members.” Chattanooga police also stated that they have “no evidence to indicate that the gang is actively operating in our city.”
In response to Rausch’s warnings, Governor Lee stated, “The border crisis is exactly why Americans voted for change. It’s not political – it’s about safety and security.”
Rausch urged public vigilance, saying, “We are watching them. We are tracking those that we know are here. We want the public to be diligent as always and paying attention in their communities for signs of things like human trafficking.”
One Response
Right at home.