Texas Representative Tony Gonzáles, a Republican, has recently raised serious concerns about the increasing threat posed by Venezuelan criminal organizations, particularly the Tren de Aragua (TDA), infiltrating the United States through the southern border with Mexico. According to a report by The Latin Times on July 31, 2024, Gonzáles is calling for heightened local law enforcement support to assist Border Patrol agents in identifying and tracking these dangerous individuals.
Gonzáles, who represents a district spanning a major migration corridor from El Paso to Eagle Pass, Texas, revealed troubling information during a Zoom call with Border Report and KTSM. He disclosed that he had been briefed by the director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who informed him that over 10,000 unauthorized migrants have been implicated in serious criminal activities either in the U.S. or in their countries of origin.
In his efforts to combat this issue, Gonzáles highlighted the growing menace of TDA, one of Venezuela’s most notorious criminal groups. He expressed alarm over recent incidents, such as a shooting involving a Venezuelan national in San Antonio, which underscores the increasing boldness of these gangs. While the affiliation of the individual with TDA remains unconfirmed, Gonzáles emphasized the danger these organizations pose. “If they’re willing to shoot a police officer, what might they do to ordinary citizens?” he questioned.
To address this escalating threat, Gonzáles is advocating for the formation of a local-federal joint gang task force aimed at targeting individuals suspected of criminal activities within the U.S. or abroad. He is pushing for federal funding to support this initiative and noted that Bexar County law enforcement in San Antonio is set to receive a $2.7 million intelligence center to aid in this effort.
In response to the growing presence of TDA, the U.S. government has recently designated the organization as a transnational criminal group. This designation allows law enforcement agencies to channel more resources into combating TDA’s activities and facilitates the imposition of sanctions on its members. The State and Justice Departments have also offered substantial rewards for information leading to the capture of key TDA leaders.
Gonzáles stressed the importance of local law enforcement collaboration with Border Patrol agents, stating, “Border Patrol is the first line of defense, but it’s evident they have been overwhelmed.” He believes that local officers, with their deep understanding of their communities, are crucial in providing actionable intelligence to federal agencies and helping to address the threat of violent Venezuelan gangs infiltrating the U.S. through the southern border.
