TDA Gang Members 'Robbing' Passengers on New York Subway - Safety Concerns
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| Subway in New York City |
A video showing suspected members of the Tren De Aragua (TDA) gang on the New York City subway has gone viral on social media platform X. The footage appears to show them boarding.
A video showing alleged Tren De Aragua (TDA) gang members on the New York City subway has gone viral on X. The video shows them taking the train and trying to rob people. It surfaced a day after a woman was set on fire on a NYC subway. While social media posts claim the members are part of the TDA gang, there is no confirmation.
| As of 2024, subway crimes make up less than 2% of all crimes in New York City, according to NYPD data. |
Last week, TDA members were arrested in a NYC apartment. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the NYPD's federal task force conducted the raid on a Bronx five-story apartment building, which is next to the Doña Juana Day Care center, on December 5. There were children inside the childcare center when the raid happened.
One user on X said, "Deport all of them."
Another person commented, "Arrest every person who wears a mask in public."
About TDA
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| Suspected juvenile Tren de Aragua members, based out of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, have allegedly been attacking nearby Times Square in a string of robberies |
TDA is a violent Venezuelan gang with a presence in at least 19 states as of December, up from 16 states last month. Republican Texas Rep. Troy Nehls told Fox News, "The Biden administration’s so-called border security policies have allowed millions of illegal aliens to cross our nation’s borders, including bad hombres who are members of the violent Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua."
The threat TDA members pose to public safety in both urban and suburban areas is highlighted by a series of recent incidents across the United States, including the recent train robbery in New York City.
| Guatemalan migrant allegedly set a sleeping woman on fire and then calmly watched her burn. He later told police he had no memory of the incident. |
Subway Safety Concerns in New York City: Key Numbers and Examples
Key Statistics:
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Subway Crime Rates:
- As of 2024, subway crimes make up less than 2% of all crimes in New York City, according to NYPD data.
- Despite this, high-profile incidents have heightened public fear.
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Homeless Population in the Subway:
- In 2023, an estimated 3,400 people used the subway as shelter nightly.
- Many are individuals with untreated mental health issues, contributing to disruptive or unsafe behavior.
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Increase in Violent Incidents:
- Reports of assaults in the subway increased by 23% from 2022 to 2023, with cases like pushing people onto the tracks making headlines.
- Example: In May 2023, a woman was attacked at the 125th Street station by an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.
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Fare Evasion Arrests:
- In 2023, 30,000 fare evasion arrests were made, disproportionately targeting Black and Hispanic individuals (88% of all arrests).
Recent Examples:
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Track Pushings:
- In October 2023, a man was pushed onto the tracks at Times Square station by an individual described as homeless. Thankfully, he survived.
- Such incidents remain rare but cause significant public fear.
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Random Assaults:
- In January 2024, a commuter was slashed at the 14th Street station in an unprovoked attack by a person with a history of mental illness.
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Homeless Encampments:
- Stations like Penn Station and Grand Central often see large numbers of homeless individuals, leading to concerns about sanitation and public safety.
| Safety in New York City's subway system is a multifaceted issue that cannot be reduced to race or immigration status. The challenges stem from broader social problems, including poverty, mental health crises, and systemic neglect. Addressing these root causes, rather than perpetuating stereotypes, is key to creating a safer and more inclusive subway environment for all riders. |
