A Texas hotel is in hot water after being linked to violent activities allegedly tied to the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua, a group gaining notoriety ahead of the 2024 elections.
Court documents paint a grim picture of the conditions at the El Paso hotel, referred to as the Gateway Hotel. Video evidence shows guests engaging in reckless behavior in hallways, brandishing weapons, and committing acts of violence in the presence of children.
Some footage suggests that a gun was fired, threats were made with weapons, and several assaults occurred, including a man attacking others with a hatchet while a security guard stood by. Another incident was recorded on June 16, 2024, showing an aggravated assault.
This footage has intensified scrutiny on the gang, especially after a recent incident in Aurora, Colorado, where Tren De Aragua members reportedly stormed an apartment complex, prompting Donald Trump to declare at a rally that the area had been “overrun.”
The hotel has been slapped with a temporary injunction and restraining order from the County Attorney in response to allegations of criminal activities and suspected prostitution linked to the gang.
A petition by C.A. Christina Sanchez targets Howard Yun, the hotel owner, for supposedly allowing a public nuisance and seeking immediate legal action to curb these issues.
El Paso Country
According to submitted documents, the hotel has been operating for six years without a proper occupancy certificate, violating city regulations. The property has also reportedly failed multiple inspections by the El Paso Fire Department.
El Paso County
Legal actions are underway to tackle these significant safety concerns, as the hotel is alleged to have become a hotspot for illegal activities. Although a certificate of occupancy was initially issued in May 2018, it expired later that year, and no renewal has since been made.
Court records indicate the hotel has a history of criminal activity. Reports noted that many guests have tattoos linked to Tren De Aragua, with police reporting incidents of drug use, thefts, and brawls.
One police officer mentioned that crimes have surged since the gang began operating within the hotel. Tren De Aragua, with an estimated 5,000 members, is notorious for human and drug trafficking, kidnappings, and money laundering, stretching its influence across several countries, including the U.S.
Amid concerns regarding border security and immigration policies, as voiced by Mayor Michael Coffman, the situation highlights a growing urgency for a comprehensive approach to immigration that Congress must address.