Police in West Fargo, North Dakota, are raising alarms over the infiltration of the brutal Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, saying federal authorities have abandoned them to deal with the growing threat on their own.

West Fargo Police Chief Pete Nielsen confirmed that his department is tracking multiple suspected members of the gang, including Henry Theis, a 25-year-old arrested last month for stealing $100,000 by hacking ATMs. Theis had crossed the southern border illegally in 2023 and was released into the U.S. by border agents with a future court date.

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

Nielsen described the situation as “difficult” and “frustrating” without federal assistance. “If you don’t have federal help on these crimes crossing all these different state lines, it’s difficult for local police to enforce some of this,” he said. Despite limited resources, local officers are monitoring Tren de Aragua’s activity in the area and working to hold suspects accountable.

Theis, who was previously arrested for a DWI in Texas in August but released for unknown reasons, was caught in North Dakota on November 1 with $24,000 in cash, facemasks, and black latex gloves in his vehicle. ICE has lodged a detainer with the Cass County jail to take him into custody.

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

The gang’s presence in North Dakota marks its infiltration into 17 states, highlighting the growing national threat posed by Tren de Aragua. The gang, known for violent crime and financial fraud, has taken advantage of lax border policies, according to critics.

Nielsen expressed hope that the situation will improve under President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised mass deportations and tougher border security. Referring to Trump’s proposed border czar Tom Homan, Nielsen said his department would assist with any federal orders to remove illegal immigrants involved in crime.

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 infiltration of Tren de Aragua into one of America’s most remote states underscores the challenges posed by unchecked illegal immigration and highlights the need for stronger federal support for local law enforcement.