Maduro’s Claims of Crushing the Tren de Aragua Are a Dangerous Illusion

Venezuela remains a festering hub for criminal enterprises despite President Nicolás Maduro’s recent declarations that his regime has successfully defeated the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Labelled a foreign terrorist organization by the United States under former President Trump’s administration, this powerful cartel is far from defeated — it thrives and expands across the Americas.How Can Maduro Claim Victory When Crime Spreads?During a state media broadcast in Caracas, Maduro boasted that Venezuelan security forces “disappeared” the Tren de Aragua with legal and constitutional authority. Yet, ground realities tell another story. Since 2018, this criminal network has rapidly extended its reach...