Summary
A brutal robbery in an upscale Dallas neighborhood involved a group of illegal aliens identified as members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. The ringleader, Wilmer Colmenares-Gonzalez, threatened to mutilate a woman during the attack, which resulted in the theft of approximately $75,000 worth of jewelry.
On September 21, 2023, Colmenares-Gonzalez and his accomplices followed the victim to her home, where they pistol-whipped her and forced her inside. They tied her up and threatened to cut off her fingers if she did not reveal the location of her valuables. After the robbery, Colmenares-Gonzalez reportedly held police at bay for several hours before being apprehended. He had entered the U.S. illegally from Venezuela earlier that year and was released into the country with a future immigration court date. The incident highlights the increasing concern over the Tren de Aragua gang’s presence in the U.S., which has been linked to various violent crimes and illegal activities across multiple states.
Background on Tren de Aragua
Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan criminal gang that has gained notoriety for its involvement in serious crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violent assaults. Following the Biden administration’s policies that allowed many Venezuelans to enter the U.S., members of this gang have reportedly exploited these opportunities to operate in various cities.
Arrest and Investigation
Colmenares-Gonzalez and three other illegal aliens—Yean Brayhan Torralba, Alberto Martinez Silva, and Manuel Hernandez-Hernandez—were arrested in connection with the robbery. Investigators used surveillance footage and fingerprints to track down the suspects. Notably, Hernandez-Hernandez had a prior DWI arrest but was released before the robbery, raising concerns about law enforcement’s handling of repeat offenders associated with gang activities.
Impact on Local Communities
The rise of the Tren de Aragua gang has prompted state officials, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, to take action against gang-related violence. The gang’s notoriety has led to increased police presence and efforts to combat their activities in Texas and other states, as they are believed to pose a significant threat to public safety.
Migrant who ‘threatened to cut off woman’s fingers’ in brutal robbery is Tren de Aragua gangbanger
Oct. 8 / New York Post / Offers a comprehensive overview of the gang's activities and the broader implications of immigration policies, presenting a more balanced perspective. Its depth and contextualization enhance the reader's grasp of the issue. “ The alleged ringleader of a brutal robbery in an upscale Dallas neighborhood that shocked Texans is a confirmed Tren de Aragua gang member who was welcomed...
Oct. 9 / Brietbart / Highlights the chilling details of the robbery and the gang's involvement, providing a clear narrative of events. However, it leans heavily on sensationalism, which may detract from a more nuanced understanding. “ An illegal alien who reportedly threatened to cut off a woman’s fingers during a brutal robbery in Texas has been identified as a member of the Venezuelan...