The threat from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is becoming more evident in Texas as more crime-related incidents linked to the group continue to be reported across the state.

Government officials have described the Tren de Aragua as a “very dangerous and organized” group that represents a Level 1 threat to Texas.

This is what we know so far.

Who is Tren de Aragua and why are they considered dangerous?

Tren de Aragua began as a South American prison gang, but is now an international organization known for its extreme violence, extortion and human trafficking, and whose the activities have expanded in Texas in recent months.

Although the number of members in Texas is unclear, the gang is believed to have recruited thousands of members in Venezuela and other countries, government officials say.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared TdA a “foreign terrorist organization,” prompting law enforcement agencies to designate the group as a Level 1 threat to the state. This designation marks gangs as a priority for authorities and Tier 1 gang members. could face enhanced prison sentences and civil penalties..

Other Level 1 gangs include the famous prison gangs, the Texas Syndicate and the Mexican Mafia, as well as the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, the Crips, the Bloods and the Latin Kings.

What are authorities doing to address the problem?

Texas authorities are creating a database and mobilizing a strike force made up of state troopers, Texas Rangers and local authorities to help track gang members.

FBI officials in Dallas said in a statement that it is “pursuing violent gangs with its local and state partners through its Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force and is working closely with the community to develop sources and generate leads.”

Where has evidence of Aragua Train activity been observed?

A hotel in El Paso was temporarily closed due to an increase in crime related to members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Undocumented immigrants and gang members, including a “Unspecified number of alleged Venezuelan gang members.,” were arrested earlier this summer on assault, drug and prostitution charges.

Authorities in Houston and San Antonio announced the arrest of several people linked to the Aragua Train in early October. One arrest was made in Houston, while an apartment raid in San Antonio resulted in 19 arrests. four of whom were alleged members of TdA.

Dallas police also said their department has had gang activity linked to TdA in the north Dallas area. Additionally, three men with alleged affiliations with TdA were arrested Monday in connection with an August homicide in Farmers Branch.

Farmers Branch detectives are still searching for the fourth suspect, Jhonny Jesús Martínez Serrano.