West Fargo, North Dakota, has become the latest U.S. city to report infiltration by the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Local police say they are overwhelmed by the challenge of addressing the threat without federal assistance.

West Fargo Police Chief Pete Nielsen confirmed that suspected gang member Henry Theis, 25, was arrested last month for stealing $100,000 through ATM hacks. Theis entered the U.S. illegally in 2023, crossing the border in El Paso, Texas, and was released with a future court date. After an August arrest for a DWI in Texas, he was released again before his capture in North Dakota.

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

Nielsen said the lack of federal support has made combating foreign gang activity more difficult. “We haven’t had a lot of federal partners knocking on our door here to assist with this crime,” he said. His department is tracking other suspected members of the gang while trying to hold individuals accountable with limited resources.

The gang’s presence in North Dakota confirms its expansion to 17 states. Tren de Aragua has been linked to violent crime and financial fraud, often exploiting gaps in immigration enforcement. Nielsen expressed concern over the ease with which illegal immigrants like Theis can repeatedly re-enter communities after committing crimes.

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

ICE has lodged a detainer with the Cass County jail to take Theis into custody, but Nielsen emphasized the need for broader federal involvement to combat the gang’s activities. He said he is ready to support President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations and increased border security, including working with Trump’s proposed border czar Tom Homan.

A suspected member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was arrested in North Dakota.

Tren de Aragua now has a presence in 17 states.

I look forward to working with President Trump to secure our border and restore safety in our communities. pic.twitter.com/ctCU9LCZui

— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) December 10, 2024

The infiltration of Tren de Aragua into such a remote and sparsely populated state illustrates the growing national reach of the gang and highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address illegal immigration and gang-related crime.