America First Legal (AFL) has released a second set of documents from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting concerns about criminal illegal aliens and the politicians who protect them in Chicago, a "sanctuary city." The documents focus on the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), which is reportedly embedded within South American migrant communities in cities like Chicago.
The AFL investigation began after conflicting reports emerged about TdA's activities in Aurora, Colorado, in September 2023. On October 2, 2024, AFL released its first set of records from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Additional data was shared on November 14, 2024, from the Chicago Police Department and Illinois Governor’s Office.
These new records indicate that law enforcement has been aware of TdA's presence since at least January 1, 2023. An FBI National Gang Intelligence Center document describes TdA as exploiting migratory movements to establish alliances with transnational criminal organizations. The document notes TdA's involvement in extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other crimes across several states including Florida and Texas.
FBI briefings reveal that TdA expanded into at least eight states since 2022. The New York Post recently reported an expansion to at least 16 states. In late October 2023, graffiti matching a TdA slogan was found in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping district.
An "Officer Safety Alert" issued by the Chicago Police Department on July 29, 2024 warns officers about potential attacks by TdA members. Similar warnings were circulated based on credible sources from Colorado.
Political responses have varied. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston threatened to deploy police against federal deportations instead of addressing threats to law enforcement. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to prosecute some gang members following attacks on NYPD officers.
Statements from local officials highlight resistance to federal immigration enforcement. For instance, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city's police department would not act as ICE agents. Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed concerns over economic impacts if neighbors were forcibly removed.
Reed D. Rubinstein of America First Legal criticized these policies: “These records illustrate...the perversity of the Biden-Harris open border...Harboring illegal aliens...are crimes; it is long past time for...leftist politicians...to be held accountable.”
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