According to court documents, the hotel "has habitual criminal activity." Several people in the hotel had tattoos associated with the Venezuelan Tren De Aragua crime syndicate, according to a police report. Drug use, thefts, burglaries, and fights were among the calls made to police regarding the hotel.
And one officer noted the "continuous incidents of criminal activity" have increased since the Tren De Aragua organization began operating in the hotel.
With at least 5,000 members, Tren de Aragua is Venezuela's biggest organized crime group, involved in trafficking humans and drugs, kidnappings, and money laundering.
Formed in an Aragua state prison around 15 years ago. Its tentacles now reach Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama, Costa Rica and the U.S.
Kelvin Bass, communications director for Texas state Senator Royce West, told
Newsweek: "A source of drugs, some gang-related violence, and possibly human trafficking anywhere in Texas could be somewhat tied to cartels and gangs.
"Immigration requires a comprehensive approach that would be initiated by
Congress, but Texas should not be silent regarding issues at its southern border."
