Texas Governor Greg Abbott designates Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, intensifying the state’s efforts to combat transnational crime and illegal immigration.
At a Glance
- Governor Abbott declares Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization in Texas
- The gang originated in Venezuela and has expanded operations into the United States
- Texas Department of Public Safety directed to create a strike team to target the gang
- Over 3,000 undocumented Venezuelans arrested in Texas for crimes linked to the gang since 2021
- El Paso identified as a significant operational base for Tren de Aragua in Texas
Abbott Takes Decisive Action Against Venezuelan Gang
In a bold move to protect Texans and combat transnational crime, Governor Greg Abbott has officially designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization. This declaration comes in response to the gang’s increasing presence and criminal activities in Texas, particularly in the border city of El Paso.
The Tren de Aragua, which originated in a prison in Venezuela, has expanded its operations into Central America and various U.S. states, including Texas, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin. The gang is notorious for its involvement in human smuggling, kidnapping, extortion, and drug trafficking, with a particular focus on exploiting vulnerable migrants.
Today, I announced that Texas is aggressively targeting the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
I also designated them as a foreign terrorist organization.
We are a law-and-order state, and we will defend Texas from this threat.
More: https://t.co/4zQk0FPxmb pic.twitter.com/EUrn0z3qlO
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) September 16, 2024
Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Tren de Aragua
As part of the state’s response to this growing threat, Governor Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to create a specialized strike team targeting Tren de Aragua’s operations within Texas. This team will include DPS Highway Patrol troopers, Special Agents, and Texas Rangers, working in coordination with Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Centers and other law enforcement agencies.
“The recent entry and expansion of the vicious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, is a dangerous and deadly problem facing our state and nation,” said Governor Abbott. “We will bring the full weight of the government against the TDA by declaring TDA a foreign terrorist organization. Texas will use the courts to halt their operations, use civil asset forfeiture to take their property, use enhanced criminal penalties to keep them in jail, behind bars for longer periods of time.”
The declaration of Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization could lead to increased sentences for crimes committed by gang members and allow for civil penalties. Additionally, Texas law enforcement is working to create a database to track individuals affiliated with the gang, further enhancing their ability to disrupt its operations.
El Paso: Ground Zero for Tren de Aragua Activity
El Paso has been identified as a significant operational base for Tren de Aragua in Texas. The city has seen a surge in gang-related incidents, including the arrest of over 100 gang members at the Gateway Hotel, which was subsequently shut down due to extensive criminal activity. This concentration of gang activity in a border city highlights the urgent need for increased border security and law enforcement efforts.
Since 2021, Texas authorities have arrested over 3,000 undocumented Venezuelans for crimes linked to Tren de Aragua. This alarming statistic underscores the scale of the problem and the potential threat to public safety posed by the gang’s presence in the state.
Political Implications and Border Security Concerns
Governor Abbott has placed blame for the increase in gang activity on President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. This issue has become a focal point in U.S. politics, particularly as the country approaches the upcoming presidential election. The presence of Tren de Aragua and other transnational criminal organizations has intensified the debate surrounding border security and immigration reform.
“With this gang, they’re not like traditional MS-13s where you can see them coming a mile away with the crazy tattoos all over their faces,” said National Border Patrol Council Vice President Cabrera.
The designation of Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization is part of a broader effort by Texas to address what it perceives as federal inaction on border security. By taking this step, Governor Abbott aims to provide law enforcement with additional tools and resources to combat the gang’s activities and protect Texas communities from transnational crime.
