U.S. authorities use tattoos to identify members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently captured a suspected member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in California. The suspect had tattoos, including stars, that are linked to the gang, which has expanded its presence across the U.S. Tren de Aragua has been connected to several violent crimes in 2024. Law enforcement is using tattoo identification to help locate other gang members. The gang is known for drug trafficking, extortion, and other violent activities. In the past year, CBP detained 41 members of Tren de Aragua, with a total of 523 known gang members apprehended. The gang is now reported in at least 15 states, including Texas and California.