Tren de Aragua gang 'worse' than MS

The House Homeland Security Committee recently debated the implications of the ongoing illegal immigration crisis at the southern border, which has escalated since 2021. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX) highlighted the threat posed by the Tren de Aragua gang, asserting that they are terrorizing communities in the U.S. He emphasized that this Venezuelan gang is more dangerous than MS-13, as they continuously evolve and escalate their criminal activities. Gonzales has been vocal about the need for law enforcement to focus on these gangs, which have been linked to serious crimes such as drug trafficking and human smuggling. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) reported that over 100 members of Tren de Aragua were arrested in El Paso, Texas, prompting the closure of a hotel due to extensive criminal activity. The Texas Department of Public Safety has been directed to form a specialized strike team to target areas known for the gang's presence. Abbott's administration plans to utilize legal measures to disrupt the gang's operations, including civil asset forfeiture and enhanced criminal penalties. A significant challenge in combating Tren de Aragua is the difficulty in identifying its members, as they lack distinctive tattoos that are common among other gangs like MS-13. Additionally, the Venezuelan government does not share criminal records with Interpol, complicating efforts to track gang members at the border. Gonzales called for a collaborative approach among federal, state, and local law enforcement to effectively address this issue. While some committee members focused on individuals on the FBI's terror watchlist apprehended at the border, others, like Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), argued that the most serious threats in the U.S. stem from domestic sources rather than immigrants. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of immigration and security in the current political climate.