Trump's Policies Linked to Surge in Venezuelan Gang Apprehensions at U.S.-Canada Border

Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, U.S. authorities have apprehended dozens of suspected members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua at the Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit to Canada.

Between January 20 and March 21, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported apprehending 40 suspected members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) at the Ambassador Bridge, a key crossing point between Detroit and Canada. This surge in apprehensions is believed to be linked to intensified enforcement policies reminiscent of Trump’s earlier term, which have reportedly disrupted gang operations and led to a northward shift of criminal activities.

Michael Brown, a former DEA special agent and current global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices, attributes the movement to the pressure exerted by these policies. He explains that TdA members are seeking to avoid severe consequences in countries like El Salvador, where they could be deported to notorious facilities such as El Centro. Instead, they are turning to Canada, perceived as a safer haven due to its more lenient approach to narcotics.

The situation has raised alarms among local leaders and rights groups. Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, along with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and the ACLU of Michigan, have highlighted that many of those apprehended ended up at the bridge inadvertently due to confusing signage or GPS errors. They emphasize the need for clearer guidance and a more humane approach to border control.

Experts like Brown warn that Canada’s progressive stance on narcotics, including safe injection sites and the provision of HYDROmorphone pills, might inadvertently attract more criminal elements. He suggests that without early intervention, the situation could escalate into a national crisis, potentially leading to increased drug-related operations and turf wars in Canada.

As the U.S. continues to enforce stricter border policies under Trump’s administration, the dynamics of gang activities appear to be shifting, with significant implications for both U.S. and Canadian security.