Illegal Immigrants Belonging to Bloodthirsty Venezuelan Gang Caught at Southern Border
A shocking discovery was made at the southern border this week as Border Patrol officials apprehended a group of illegal immigrants affiliated with a violent Venezuelan street gang. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens announced the arrest of 10 migrants connected to Tren de Aragua, a notorious gang known for its criminal activities.
The gang members were caught across Texas, with Chief Owens issuing a warning to the public about the threat posed by Tren de Aragua. He emphasized the gang’s involvement in extortion, kidnapping, murder, and sex trafficking, urging vigilance in monitoring their activities.
Customs and Border Protections (CBP) have previously shared intelligence on the gang’s tattoos and identifiers, including the chilling phrase “Salute me or shoot me.” Federal authorities have raised concerns about TdA’s efforts to establish a presence in the U.S., with potential ties to organized crime and collaboration with other notorious gangs like MS-13.
Lawmakers have sounded the alarm on the growing influence of Tren de Aragua, with Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas highlighting the gang’s history of violence in Central and South America. He emphasized the need to address the root causes of illegal immigration to prevent more criminal elements from exploiting loopholes in the system.
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida has called for TdA to be designated as a transnational criminal organization, allowing for sanctions and asset freezes on gang members. He warned of the potential for American cities to mirror the lawlessness and fear that characterize areas where Tren de Aragua holds sway.
As concerns mount over the infiltration of violent gangs like Tren de Aragua into the U.S., efforts to strengthen border security and address the underlying issues driving illegal immigration are crucial. The apprehension of these gang members serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by criminal elements seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the immigration system.