San Antonio Standard

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS– Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23) has joined Senator Marco Rubio and Rep. María Elvira Salazar in urging President Biden to designate the Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization. The group of lawmakers is pressing for this designation to combat the criminal activities of the Tren de Aragua, which has been wreaking havoc across the United States and the Americas.

The members of Congress highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for action. According to a statement, the Tren de Aragua is described as "an invading criminal army from a prison in Venezuela that has spread their brutality and chaos to U.S. cities and small towns." The criminal organization is involved in various illicit activities such as murder, drug trafficking, sex crimes, extortion, and kidnapping.

In a letter addressed to President Biden, the lawmakers stressed the importance of designating Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization. They expressed their concerns about the escalating crime and violence posed by the group, stating, "How many more innocent victims will have to suffer before we fully recognize and address the grave threat Tren de Aragua gang members cause to the peace, stability, and the national security of our nation?"

The letter also highlighted the impact of Tren de Aragua's operations in countries like Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, where the organization has caused chaos and instability. The lawmakers warned that failure to designate Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization would only embolden its expansion, leading to increased violence and criminal activities within the United States.

The call to action comes in response to the heinous crimes committed by Tren de Aragua, including the rapes of children and the murders of innocent individuals. By designating the group as a Transnational Criminal Organization, the lawmakers aim to send a strong message that such atrocities will not be tolerated, and that efforts will be unified to protect communities from transnational organized crime.

The lawmakers concluded the letter by emphasizing that the time to act is now, underscoring the importance of taking decisive measures to address the threat posed by the Tren de Aragua.