A congressman representing a district along the southern border of the United States is raising alarms regarding the presence and activities of a dangerous Venezuelan street gang that has begun to establish itself within the country amid the ongoing migrant crisis.
Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, expressed his concerns in an interview with Fox News Digital, emphasizing the potential threat posed by the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, known for its involvement in various criminal activities.
Gonzales highlighted a recent revelation from a CBP source, which provided information on tattoos and identifiers associated with TdA members. These individuals have been entering the US illegally through the southern border, raising concerns about their potential impact on local communities.
The gang gained additional attention following reports linking the brother of a suspect in the killing of Georgia student Laken Riley to the TdA. Both individuals are Venezuelan illegal immigrants.
Known for its involvement in extortion, kidnapping, murder, and sex trafficking, TdA has been identified as a significant threat by federal authorities. There are fears that the gang may collaborate with other criminal organizations, such as MS-13, further exacerbating security concerns.
Representative Gonzales described TdA as “very vicious” and emphasized their lack of adherence to conventional rules, likening their expansion to a cancer spreading across territories.
He noted a shift in the demographic of migrants crossing the border, with a more aggressive and culturally distinct group now arriving. This change has led to heightened concerns among residents, particularly in Hispanic-majority districts like his own.
Gonzales stressed the need for immediate and coordinated action to address the growing threat posed by criminal elements crossing the border. He called for enhanced vetting of migrants by Border Patrol, as well as proactive efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify and deport criminal aliens.
Additionally, Gonzales emphasized the importance of seamless cooperation between local, state, and federal authorities in addressing the issue effectively. He expressed confidence that communities prioritizing such collaboration would be better equipped to address the challenges posed by criminal elements in the long term.
Overall, Gonzales’ remarks underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the influx of criminal activity associated with transnational gangs like TdA and ensure the safety and security of communities along the US-Mexico border.
