El Paso's once-bustling Gateway Hotel finds itself enmeshed in controversy and judicial scrutiny after a series of disturbing allegations have surfaced. A temporary injunction was imposed by Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza, effectively shuttering the hotel, which has been accused of housing members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. This shutdown was reported by the El Paso Times following a declaration by the El Paso County Attorney's Office regarding illegal operations and criminal activities on the premises.
These allegations are bolstered by law enforcement observations, as documented in reports stating that the Tren de Aragua gang is seemingly contributing to a spike in crime at the hotel. Notably, there was an incident where a male was assaulted, threatened, and dispossessed of his belongings by individuals who, the police suspect, are connected to the gang, according to KTSM. Moreover, the hotel environment has seen people without proper identification managing hotel affairs, and police have identified frequenters of the hotel with tattoos signifying their gang affiliations.
The presence of the Tren de Aragua has not only purportedly escalated criminal activities within the Gateway Hotel, but it has also led to the cancellation of popular ghost tours that once attracted locals and tourists alike. According to affidavits from El Paso police officers, various illegal activities, including potential prostitution and drug use, were suspected on the property. An increased activity of individuals bearing tattoos associated with the Venezuelan gang has painted a worrisome picture, coinciding with an uptick in crime and safety violations, as detailed by KFOX-TV, painting a dire situation that necessitated the hotel's closure.
Residents and visitors of El Paso are urged to stay vigilant as the situation develops. A hearing is set for December 9th, where more light will be shed on the fate of the Gateway Hotel, and whether its owner was complicit in enabling the Tren de Aragua gang's illegal activities. As the community awaits the court's decision, the once-iconic structure stands empty, a stark reminder of the encroaching shadows of criminal enterprises and the imperative for systemic vigilance and legal intervention.
