Venezuelan migrant attack sparks fear in Prairie du Chien families

In early September 2023, a mother and her child were assaulted by Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, a 26-year-old Venezuelan migrant, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The attacks occurred over several days, with the police later revealing that Zarate had a history of violence, including a warrant for strangulation and false imprisonment issued in Dane County. His entry into the U.S. was facilitated by the current immigration policies, which have raised concerns among local families about safety. Zarate's tattoos linked him to the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal organization originating from Venezuela, which has been expanding its influence in the U.S. This incident has sparked fear in the Prairie du Chien community, prompting local families to restrict their children's outdoor activities. Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, whose grandchildren live nearby, expressed alarm over the implications of open-border policies and the potential for further violence. The situation has led to political tensions, with Van Orden criticizing local law enforcement for not detaining Zarate sooner. He pointed out that Dane County had been classified as 'non-cooperative' with federal immigration authorities, raising questions about the effectiveness of local policing in preventing such incidents. In response to the incident, local officials and community members are calling for stricter immigration controls and better coordination with federal authorities to ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not enter their communities. The fear and anxiety among residents highlight the broader implications of immigration policy on public safety.