Venezuelan gang members sneaking into US are a dangerous threat
Recent reports have exposed a concerning development at the southern border, where a group of illegal immigrants affiliated with a dangerous Venezuelan street gang known as Tren de Aragua were apprehended by Border Patrol officials. The discovery comes amid growing concerns from lawmakers about the threat posed by this violent gang.
Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens revealed that 10 migrants linked to Tren de Aragua were arrested in various locations across Texas, emphasizing the need to monitor the activities of this criminal organization closely. The chief issued a stark warning, stating, “Keep your eye on this gang. Their criminal activities represent a serious threat to our communities!”
Images shared by Chief Owens depicted tattoos sported by gang members, with one particularly chilling tattoo reading, “Salute me or shoot me.” Customs and Border Protections (CBP) had previously disseminated intelligence bulletins to agents detailing the distinctive tattoos and symbols associated with Tren de Aragua.
Tren de Aragua is notorious for its involvement in heinous crimes such as extortion, kidnapping, murder, and sex trafficking. Federal authorities have raised alarm about the gang’s attempts to establish a presence in the United States, where law enforcement agencies have already linked them to organized crime activities. Additionally, the FBI has warned about the potential collaboration between Tren de Aragua and the notorious MS-13 gang.
The gang gained notoriety earlier this year when it was revealed that the brother of a suspect in the murder of Georgia student Laken Riley had ties to Tren de Aragua. Chief Owens expressed concern over the increasing number of individuals with connections to the gang crossing the border illegally, attributing the situation to the ongoing border crisis and the vulnerabilities in the immigration system.
In an interview with Fox, Chief Owens emphasized his belief that Tren de Aragua is poised to become the predominant transnational criminal organization in the United States without decisive action. He stressed the urgent need to address the root cause of the crisis, illegal immigration, in order to effectively combat criminal elements like Tren de Aragua.
Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal advocate for stringent border security measures, has called for Tren de Aragua to be designated as a transnational criminal organization. Such a classification would enable sanctions to be imposed on gang members and their assets, potentially disrupting their operations and financial networks.
Senator Rubio cautioned that failing to take action could result in American cities resembling the violent and lawless communities in Latin America where Tren de Aragua originated. He painted a grim picture of a future where extortion, fear, and brutality reign supreme, undermining public safety and stability.
As the authorities continue their efforts to counter the threat posed by Tren de Aragua and similar criminal organizations, the need for comprehensive immigration reform and border security measures remains a top priority. Addressing the underlying issues that contribute to illegal immigration and transnational crime is essential to safeguarding communities and upholding the rule of law.
