The Case of the Chamana and the Dark Reality of Tren de Aragua
The Chamana’s Tale and a Network of Shadows
Six years ago, a Venezuelan woman calling herself a chamana lived between two contrasting worlds. By day, she dressed entirely in white, symbolizing purity and spirituality. By night, her image transformed radically, donning black, sultry attire. This enigmatic figure, reportedly practicing santería rituals, lived a life shrouded in mystery.
She was always accompanied by a chauffeur, a “cousin” whose relationship seemed more like a secret code than familial ties, and a godfather she visited on weekends. Her nocturnal routines often included late-night outings, and her account of fleeing Venezuela revealed a harrowing journey: crossing into Brazil, looping around to Colombia, and finally arriving in Mexico.
Though peculiar, her story reflects the experiences of countless Venezuelans escaping their country’s turmoil, many of whom fall prey to criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua, one of the most dangerous transnational gangs in South America.
Tren de Aragua: A Transnational Criminal Empire
The Tren de Aragua, born in Venezuela, has evolved into a sprawling criminal network operating in at least five Latin American countries. Exploiting the desperation of migrants, the organization orchestrates extensive human smuggling and sex trafficking operations.
The gang controls illegal border crossings, known as trochas, charging exorbitant fees to those seeking refuge. They also offer “packages” to migrants, covering transportation, lodging, and meals—often at the cost of ensnaring them in exploitation networks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tren de Aragua capitalized on regional border closures, cementing its control over smuggling routes. In Mexico, their presence is felt in border states like Chihuahua, where they’ve partnered with local criminal groups such as La Línea and La Empresa, affiliates of the Juárez Cartel. This alliance has enabled their operations near the U.S. border, where their members are often identified by distinctive tattoos, including locomotives, crowns, and weapons.
The White House Response: Declaring a National Emergency
The growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua and other organizations like MS-13 has prompted the U.S. government to take decisive action. In a recent statement, the President declared a national emergency, designating these groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The declaration outlines how these organizations operate as paramilitary entities, infiltrating governments and controlling territories through terror, murder, and exploitation. The aim is to dismantle their transnational networks entirely and safeguard U.S. national security.
An Unsettling Connection
The story of the Venezuelan chamana, with her mysterious travels and dual existence, underscores the complexity of Venezuelan migration and how vulnerable migrants are exploited by criminal networks. The designation of Tren de Aragua as a national security threat highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to combat such organizations.
How many stories like the chamana’s remain untold? How many lives are still trapped in the shadows of these criminal empires?