GPS Ankle Monitor Leads Feds To Gang Hideout In NYC

Federal agents stormed a Bronx apartment, arresting seven members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, the New York Post reported.

The December 5 raid captured key gang figures, including one with a tracking device that betrayed their hideout.

On the morning of December 5, a task force made up of Homeland Security Investigations and NYPD officers zeroed in on an apartment at the fringes of Crotona Park. Their target was a group believed to be part of the Tren de Aragua, a gang known for its criminal activities in New York.

Focused Efforts Bring Down Criminal Elements

The operation resulted in the arrest of seven gang members. Among them was Jarwin Valero-Calderon, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national whose court-ordered ankle monitor played a crucial role in locating the group.

Valero-Calderon's monitor allowed the authorities to pinpoint the gang's location, leading to a swift and decisive raid. His history includes a string of criminal activities and ignored immigration check-ins despite a standing deportation order.

From Migrant Shelters to Criminal Enterprises

The Tren de Aragua has been active in the U.S. since 2022, recruiting members from within taxpayer-funded migrant shelters. Their operations have expanded to include theft, robbery, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

Most of the arrested individuals had multiple warrants out for their arrest, having vanished after crossing the U.S. border. The gang has managed to establish a significant presence in New York City, particularly exploiting the vulnerabilities of migrant communities.

Multiple Arrests Highlight Extensive Criminal Network

Among those apprehended were Jhonaiker Alexander Gil Cardozo and Jesus Manuel Quintero Granado, both of whom had a history of arrests across various states. Angel Gabriel Marquez Rodriguez and Fernandez Franco Greymer De Dios were also taken into custody, with Rodriguez facing charges in Chicago and New York, and De Dios being processed for deportation.

This group, including the youth division known as "Diablos de la 42," has come under increasing scrutiny by the NYPD due to their growing influence and criminal activities.

Lapses in Supervision and Monitoring

A law enforcement source criticized the effectiveness of the ankle monitoring system, stating, "Better late than never," in reference to why Valero-Calderon was free despite his criminal record. "This is what actual supervised release looks like? The thing about ankle monitors is you have to actually monitor them to be effective," the source added.

Former Denver ICE chief John Fabbricatore commented on the evolution of Tren de Aragua, noting their strategic move into sanctuary cities. "They’ve started to solidify themselves and then throw tentacles out to multiple other locations where they think that they can continue to make money. I think people are finally starting to realize how bad the situation has gotten," Fabbricatore explained.

Implications for Local and National Security

The December raid not only underscores the challenges law enforcement faces with technologically equipped criminals but also highlights the broader implications for safety and security in sanctuary cities. The rise of gangs like Tren de Aragua poses significant threats, not just locally but nationally.

As federal and local agencies continue to adapt to these challenges, the effectiveness of their strategies against such organized crime networks will likely come under greater scrutiny.

The recent raid represents a significant victory, but also a reminder of the ongoing battle against criminal organizations that exploit systemic vulnerabilities.