The Venezuelan government has shifted its stance regarding the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, acknowledging its presence after previously dismissing it as a media fabrication and later denying its existence altogether. This change follows a recent US operation on June 12th that resulted in the death of the gang’s leader, known as “Niño Guerrero.” Previously, the government of Delcy Rodríguez maintained the organization was not operating within Venezuela. The admission marks a significant departure from earlier official statements. The shift in rhetoric appears directly linked to the US intervention and the elimination of a key figure within the criminal network. This development suggests a growing recognition of organized crime’s influence within the country. The government now refers to these groups as “structures of organized crime.”