TBI says Venezuelan gang operating in Chattanooga; local law enforcement denies

From Local 3 News: After the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) acknowledged the presence of a Venezuelan gang throughout the state, the Chattanooga Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office have denied seeing any activity or evidence.

TBI Director David Rausch originally said in a video posted Nov. 15 that Tren de Aragua (TDA) is primarily engaged in human trafficking taking place in Tennessee's major cities, including Chattanooga.

"They are very violent toward policing. They're violent toward law enforcement. They will fight and they will attack police. They have no respect for law enforcement," said TBI Director David Rausch.

TDA is known to be particularly territorial, Rausch said, but it has not reached the point of citizens having their homes infiltrated.

"I don't think we're at the point of everyone having to, you know, watch outside their homes of this infiltration, but it is a level of concern to policing that this group is active," said Rausch.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said in a statement Monday, Nov. 18 that there is no active investigation nor known TDA gang member incarcerated in their jail: "Despite this, I encourage everyone to remain vigilant. If you see something suspicious, report it. Together, we can prevent criminal networks like this gang from taking root in our community."


"We will not allow Hamilton County to be a welcoming place for criminals, especially members of this gang, and I am confident our local law enforcement leaders and my fellow sheriff's across Tennessee share in this commitment."

The Chattanooga Police Department took a similar stance, saying that they have received multiple inquiries regarding TDA's presence, but they lack evidence:

"To date, there have been no confirmed instances or indications of Tren de Aragua's presence within Chattanooga. Additionally, there are currently no validated members of this gang within our jurisdiction, nor are there any active CPD investigations related to their activities."

If you encounter gang activity or suspicious behavior, you are encouraged to call the following lines:

• TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND
• CPD at 423-698-2525
• HCSO at 423-209-7000