Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has called for urgent federal action to combat the growing threat posed by the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been spreading fear and instability across multiple countries and is now establishing a presence in the United States. Rubio emphasized the need for President Joe Biden to mobilize federal resources to address this pressing issue.

Rubio, along with U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and 21 other members of Congress, is urging for the designation of Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO). This designation would enable the federal government to impose sanctions on the gang and its members, including freezing their assets and restricting their travel.

The Senator highlighted the escalating violence attributed to Tren de Aragua, stating that "stabbings, assaults, and robberies" are on the rise in several metropolitan areas. Additionally, concerns have been raised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about potential alliances between Tren de Aragua and other criminal organizations like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).

By designating Tren de Aragua as a TCO, federal agencies such as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Department of Homeland Security can enhance their collaboration with international partners to investigate and dismantle the criminal activities of the gang. While acknowledging that these measures may not be a definitive solution, Rubio emphasized that they are crucial steps in the right direction to prevent the spread of violence and criminality in American cities.

Rubio's call for federal action underscores the pressing need to address the growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua and prevent the gang from further infiltrating and expanding its operations within the United States.