A nationwide criminal organization has demonstrated its expanding reach by targeting bank machines in West Fargo, where authorities report losses approaching $100,000 from sophisticated ATM breaches.
Police arrested Henry Theis, 25, who investigators link to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, after discovering stolen cash and burglary tools in his vehicle during a November traffic stop.
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
Authorities recovered $24,000 along with face coverings and black latex gloves from the suspect’s car, suggesting an organized criminal operation had targeted the North Dakota community of 40,000 residents.
The incident marks a concerning development as the criminal group establishes operations in America’s heartland, according to West Fargo Police Chief Pete Nielsen.
Law enforcement sources indicate Theis first entered the country through Texas in 2023, receiving a future court appointment after processing by border officials in El Paso.
Records show the suspect remained free despite a drunk driving arrest in Lewisville, Texas earlier this year, months before the North Dakota bank thefts occurred.
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
Nielsen expressed worry about the pattern of releases. “These individuals are here illegally,” he noted, adding that repeat offenders continue operating “in the country they’re not even supposed to be in.”
Immigration authorities have now filed paperwork seeking custody of Theis from county detention facilities.
The police chief indicated his department continues monitoring other suspected gang affiliates in the region while awaiting increased federal support to address cross-jurisdictional criminal activities.
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
Nielsen said his department stands ready to support strengthened immigration enforcement under the incoming administration, including participating in removal operations if directed.
The West Fargo case brings the total number of states reporting presence of the criminal organization to 17, highlighting its rapid expansion across the US.
