Tren de Aragua terrorizes Times Square with junior gang ‘Little Devils of 42nd Street’

A group of young, migrant gang members from the notorious Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, based in Venezuela, has been committing armed robberies in Manhattan’s Times Square and Central Park, law enforcement officials revealed. 

These gang members, some as young as 11 years old, have been exploiting New York’s lenient criminal justice system, evading jail time despite numerous offenses. 

Detective Bureau Assistant Chief Jason Savino explained to The Post that nearly two dozen members of this group, who call themselves "Los Diablos de la 42" (Little Devils of 42nd Street), have been linked to at least 50 robberies. "You have individuals that are brazen," said Savino. "We know they have access to guns, evidenced by the fact that they’ve done gunpoint robberies and showcased pistols on social media." 

Initially, the gang started with petty thefts like purse snatchings but have since escalated to armed robberies, brandishing knives, and threatening tourists. The group, primarily operating from a city-funded shelter at the Roosevelt Hotel, uses social media to communicate and boast about their crimes. "This is the first formulated group we’ve found," Savino said. "They operate in packs and hang out every day, posting on social media."

Worryingly, there’s growing concern that TdA’s activities could spark a gang war with the Latin Kings, following a years-old dispute involving the alleged murder of a TdA member. Authorities fear the feud may erupt into violence in New York.

The gang members, hiding among asylum seekers from Venezuela, have also been trafficking drugs, guns, and sex workers through the shelter system. An older gang member allegedly recruits children, many of whom evade severe punishment due to their age and the state’s bail reform laws. Savino added, "It’s a product of bail reform. We’ve tried to bring charges in criminal court, somewhat unsuccessfully."

Despite their criminal activity, many of these young offenders remain free, exploiting the legal system and continuing to target unsuspecting New Yorkers and tourists alike. Authorities are struggling to combat the growing influence of this dangerous group in the city.