Peru’s Clashes With Venezuelan Crime Gang Raise Concerns in US

As Peruvians battle with organized crime resulting from their immigration crisis, analysts say it’s a pattern that will keep repeating.

Illegal immigrants, mostly of Venezuelan origin, attempt to forcibly cross into the United States at the Paso del Norte International Bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on March 12, 2023. Herika Martinez/AFP via Getty Images

Peru’s recent clashes with a Venezuelan gang highlight regional fears of increased crime amid the ongoing illegal immigration crisis. At the same time, anti-Venezuelan sentiment is on the rise in the Americas.

Venezuelans are an easy group to hide criminals within since they’re the largest refugee wave ever to hit Latin America.