SW Wisconsin News

The arrest of a Venezuelan national in the town of Prairie du Chien, which has a population of 5,300, has brought attention to the far-reaching impact of transnational criminal organizations even in small communities. 

According to a press release from the Prairie du Chien Police Department, on Sept. 5 police officers arrested 26-year-old Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate of Venezuela, an illegal alien and alleged member of Venezuelan gang Tren De Arguas.

Police reported that Coronel Zarate had committed both physical and sexual violence against an adult female. During the incident, Coronel Zarate injured a juvenile female. 

Kyle Teynor, Chief of Police for Prairie du Chien, addressed the situation in a statement noting Coronel Zarate knew the victims.

“Mr. Coronel Zarate was brought to Prairie du Chien from the Dane County area,” Teynor said. “The victims in this case knew Mr. Coronel Zarate; this was not a random event. It’s critical to understand that violence of this nature is not only a local issue but is also exacerbated by the presence of individuals affiliated with dangerous transnational criminal organizations.”

Tren De Arguas, the gang with which Coronel Zarate is allegedly affiliated, is known for its involvement in severe crimes such as homicide, abduction, extortion, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, human smuggling and human trafficking. Teynor emphasized the need to address the threats posed by such criminal groups. 

“This incident highlights the urgent need to recognize and address the threats posed by these criminal groups,” Teynor said. “Violence towards others, regardless of the circumstances, cannot be tolerated in our community. Our agency is dedicated to ensuring that violent offenders are held accountable for their actions and to maintaining the safety and well-being of our residents.”

Coronel Zarate is being held in Crawford County Jail and faces a series of serious charges including domestic disorderly conduct, two counts of domestic battery, strangulation/suffocation, physical abuse to a child, disorderly conduct, and two counts of 2nd degree sexual assault. 

Coronel Zarate’s criminal history also includes outstanding warrants from Dane County, Wis., for strangulation/suffocation, false imprisonment, battery, and disorderly conduct.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been alerted and a detainer has been placed on Coronel Zarate due to his non-citizen status.

Prairie Du Chien Mayor Dave Hemmer addressed the community's concerns in a statement posted to the city’s Facebook page. 

“Considering recent events, I have received many questions and comments from residents voicing their concerns about the recently arrested Venezuelan citizen in Prairie du Chien,” Hemmer wrote in the post. “First, I want to express my unwavering faith in the capabilities of our police department and the work they do. This is one of many cases they handle on a weekly basis. The Chief of Police and I communicate regularly, and he continues to have my support. The men and women that serve our community each day are appreciated.”

Hemmer also addressed inquiries about the suspect's bail and the criminal justice process. 

“One of the most common questions I've received is about this suspect's bail and bail hearing,” he said. “This is a common step in the criminal justice process. Everyone is entitled to a bond/bail hearing and the judge sets the bail. Even with bail set at $10,000 cash, this suspect will NOT be released due to the continued detainer placed on him by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). I am proud that our police department works with ICE to keep these violent offenders off the streets of Prairie du Chien.”

Hemmer also reassured residents about the safety of their community. 

“Prairie du Chien remains a safe and beautiful community to live in, raise a family and recreate,” he said. “I encourage everyone to continue to live their life and enjoy all that is great about Prairie du Chien. I trust our local law enforcement will remain committed to keeping the citizens of Prairie du Chien safe. However, now is the perfect time for us to come together as a community and look out for each other. We are better when we support our community in positive ways, remaining vigilant of those that intend on doing harm.”

The case has garnered wider attention, with Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reporting on social media.

“Police in Prairie du Chien, a small city in rural Wisconsin w/ a population of just 5,400, announce the arrest of a suspected Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang member who allegedly violently and sexually attacked a woman & injured a juvenile in the process. ICE now involved,” Melugin said on X.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) also weighed in, framing the issue as a human rights concern. 

“I don’t care what your political affiliation is,” he said. “This is not a Democrat issue. It’s not a Republican issue. It’s not an independent or libertarian issue. This is a human rights issue. So American citizens’ human rights are being violated. They’re being kidnapped, raped and murdered by criminal, illegal aliens, and it’s just got to stop.”