A Venezuelan criminal organization previously concentrated in border states has established operations in North Dakota, highlighting the nationwide impact of current immigration policies.
West Fargo Police Chief Pete Nielsen reports suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang orchestrated sophisticated ATM thefts resulting in $100,000 in losses from local banks.
I joined @MorningsMaria on @FoxBusiness to discuss the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, strategically decoupling from China, and getting our border under control. The arrest of a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member in North Dakota is proof every state is a border… pic.twitter.com/4OkD1k3Xyo
— Senator Kevin Cramer (@SenKevinCramer) December 10, 2024
Authorities arrested Henry Theis, 25, in November after discovering stolen cash and burglary equipment during a traffic stop. Immigration records show he entered through El Paso last year before traveling north.
Despite a previous drunk driving arrest in Texas, Theis remained free to continue criminal activities, according to law enforcement sources.
Nielsen expressed frustration over limited federal support investigating cross-jurisdictional crimes linked to international gangs.
West Fargo, ND Police Chief Pete Nielsen told NYP that he begged the Federal Government for help after Tren de Aragua members came to his city, and they basically ignored him.
North Dakota is now the 17th state with a Tren de Aragua presence.
January 20th can’t come soon… pic.twitter.com/oYOccEvE2l
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 15, 2024
“Being the police chief of this community, I think I would be looking to make sure that anybody that’s committing any crime in the community is accountable for that action,” he said.
The department continues monitoring additional suspected gang members while awaiting increased federal assistance.
Immigration authorities have filed paperwork seeking custody of Theis from county detention facilities.
Nielsen indicated his department would support strengthened enforcement under President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
“We would assist the federal government on any thing that they needed us to do,” the police chief said, referencing potential cooperation with removal operations.
A suspected member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was arrested in North Dakota.
Tren de Aragua now has a presence in 17 states.
I look forward to working with President Trump to secure our border and restore safety in our communities. pic.twitter.com/ctCU9LCZui
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) December 10, 2024
The case demonstrates how border security challenges directly impact communities nationwide, even in remote states far from international crossings.
West Fargo’s experience brings the total number of states reporting presence of the criminal organization to 17, underscoring its rapid expansion across America.
