This news is certainly unsettling.

New Jersey, along with several other U.S. states, is seeing an uptick in gang activity from the Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA), according to the New York Post.

Hand in jail
anurakpong
loading...

This violent criminal group, which started in Venezuela, has now branched out to at least 16 states, including the Garden State.

Homeland Security warning about the TdA gang presence in the U.S.

 

Homeland Security officials recently warned about the gang's presence, with concerns about how they could affect local communities.

The U.S. states with this gang's presence include California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and like I said, New Jersey.

94.5 PST logo
Get our free mobile app

 

Plus, more rural states like Montana and Wyoming are also seeing signs of TdA activity.

The gang may be recruiting more members in NJ

New Jersey, known for its diverse population, has become a key area for the gang, as it looks to recruit new members and commit various crimes.

Members of TdA gang are involved in everything from thefts and robberies to more sophisticated fraud schemes.

Car broken window
WiktorD
loading...

 

The gang steals and then sends what they've stolen back to South America to fund other illegal things.

Gang members are crossing the U.S. border with migrant groups

Many TdA members have crossed the border in big migrant groups since there's a lack of communication between U.S. and Venezuelan authorities, the article states.

Crowd walking - group of people in motion blur
Rafal Olkis
loading...

As the population of Venezuelans in the U.S. continues to grow, experts warn that the risk of violent encounters with TdA members will likely increase.

 

READ MORE:  U.S. Government Warning NJ & PA residents not to travel to these places

In New Jersey, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent the gang from expanding too much.

For more information on this situation, click here.

New Jersey's Most Dangerous Gangs and Mobsters

New Jersey has a reputation for its famous and infamous gangs and mobsters. Some are still striking fear into communities throughout the state.

Gallery Credit: Rick Rickman

More From 94.5 PST