Once a bastion of grandeur and elegance in Manhattan, the Roosevelt Hotel is now serving a drastically different purpose—as a refuge for migrants. The circumstances of this iconic establishment continue to heighten as the area becomes increasingly linked with criminal undertakings, including associations with Venezuelan street groups, most notably, the infamous Tren de Aragua.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has uncovered that this alarming gang is implicated in a surge of illicit activities around the bustling hub of Times Square. The department’s record indicates approximately 50 instances of robbery in this locale, with the gang’s members as the primary suspects.
Despite the police’s dedicated efforts to curb this crime wave, leading to more than 20 arrests directly connected to the Tren de Aragua, a significant number of those apprehended have quickly returned to the streets due to the city’s key bail regulations.
The Tren de Aragua’s influence extends far beyond local misdeeds. Revealing a sinister history, this group has its roots within the prison system in Venezuela, from where it has propagated across international borders, embedding its tendrils as far as New York City itself.
It’s widely believed that the gang is drawing new members from the migrant population currently taking sanctuary at the Roosevelt Hotel. As a result of this, their illicit acts have begun spilling over into the local neighborhoods, seeping as far as the renowned Times Square.
Their pervasive presence poses a significant threat to Manhattan’s public safety. The gang’s activities have consistently escalated, culminating in aggressive disputes and even physical attacks directed against NYPD officers. Interestingly, this group is self-titled as ‘Los Diablos de la 42,’ translating to ‘Little Devils of 42nd Street’ in English.
The surge of unlawful activities linked to migrants has sparked serious discussions around issues of crime associated with asylum seekers. The Roosevelt Hotel’s case has become ammunition in these debates, highlighting the conditions within shelters and the city’s ability to manage the unfolding migrant emergency.
Constant vigilance has become the modus operandi for the NYPD, who is keeping a close eye on these developments. However, enforcing law and order in these densely populated and challenging environments presents an ongoing hurdle.