A North Dakota police department finds itself confronting sophisticated international crime without adequate federal backing, according to local law enforcement leaders.
West Fargo’s police force recently apprehended a suspected member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua following a series of ATM thefts totaling $100,000 in losses.
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
Chief Pete Nielsen said his department lacks necessary support investigating crimes spanning multiple states. “If you don’t have federal help on these crimes crossing all these different state lines, it’s difficult for local police to enforce,” he noted.
The November arrest of Henry Theis, 25, revealed an organized criminal operation targeting the community of 40,000 residents. Officers discovered stolen cash along with burglary tools during a vehicle search.
Nielsen confirmed his department monitors additional suspected gang members while operating with limited resources.
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
Records show Theis entered through El Paso in 2023, receiving a future court date before traveling north. He later faced arrest in Texas for impaired driving but avoided detention.
The police chief expressed concern about repeat offenders remaining free despite immigration violations and criminal charges.
Immigration authorities have now requested custody of Theis from county jail facilities as investigations continue.
https://x.com/RepTroyNehls/status/1866493430509216255
Nielsen indicated his department stands ready to support increased enforcement under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, including potential deportation operations.
The case brings the total number of states reporting presence of the criminal organization to 17, demonstrating its expanding reach across America.
Local law enforcement continues seeking greater federal cooperation to address both criminal activities and immigration violations threatening community safety.
