Tensions are mounting in Chicago’s South Side as local gangs clash with Venezuelan migrants, including members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Tyrone Muhammad, who spent years in prison before becoming an activist, warns that the city could erupt in violence if the situation continues. “The city is going to go up in flames,” he said, citing the growing frustration among local gangs who feel abandoned by city leaders.
Muhammad now leads a violence prevention program but says the arrival of the Venezuelan migrants has added a new level of complexity to the already dangerous streets. The Tren de Aragua gang, known for its violence in Venezuela, is reportedly expanding its influence in Chicago, angering local gangs who have controlled the area for decades.
Local residents and gang members are furious that the city has allocated resources to the migrants, while long-time South Side residents struggle with poverty and violence. Zacc Massie, who recently served time in prison, expressed his frustration, saying, “They’re giving them everything while we get crumbs.”
Community leader Corey Rogers has seen the situation firsthand and warns that the local gangs are preparing for a turf war. “The Venezuelans are showing their guns, and it’s only a matter of time before the violence escalates,” he said. Rogers, a member of the Black P. Stone Nation, believes the city’s leadership is turning a blind eye to the problem.
Police reports have documented hundreds of incidents linked to migrant shelters, including allegations of drug trafficking, weapons violations, and carjackings. Yet, many in the community, including those who have lost loved ones to violence, feel that their concerns are being ignored by City Hall.
