Young members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been linked to 50 robberies in Manhattan, evading jail time due to bail reforms. This group, comprised of young migrants from Venezuela, has been committing armed robberies in popular areas like Times Square and Central Park, according to law enforcement officials.
Detective Bureau Assistant Chief Jason Savino told The Post that nearly two dozen members, known as “Los Diablos de la 42” (Little Devils of 42nd Street), are responsible for these crimes. “These individuals are incredibly bold,” Savino said. “They have access to firearms, as demonstrated by their gunpoint robberies and social media posts showing pistols.”
Originally engaging in petty thefts such as purse snatching, the gang has escalated to armed robberies, threatening tourists with knives. Primarily operating from a city-funded shelter at the Roosevelt Hotel, they use social media to coordinate and brag about their activities. “This is the first organized group we’ve encountered,” Savino noted. “They work in packs and are very active online.”
There are growing concerns that the activities of Tren de Aragua could trigger a gang war with the Latin Kings, stemming from a long-standing dispute related to the alleged murder of a TdA member. Authorities fear this rivalry could lead to violence in New York.
Additionally, these gang members are reportedly involved in drug, gun, and sex trafficking, taking advantage of the shelter system. Older gang members are said to recruit younger individuals, many of whom escape serious repercussions due to their age and the state’s bail reform laws. “This is a direct result of bail reform. We’ve tried to bring charges in criminal court, but with limited success,” Savino explained.
Despite their criminal behavior, many of these young offenders remain at large, exploiting the legal system while continuing to target unsuspecting New Yorkers and tourists. Authorities face significant challenges in curbing the influence of this dangerous group in the city.
