Duval Times

U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Ranking Member Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently questioned Biden Administration officials on various concerning issues, including the activities of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Hezbollah’s influence in Chile under the Boric Administration.

During the questioning, Rubio expressed his concerns about Tren de Aragua and its potential designation as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO). In response, Chris Landberg from the U.S. Department of State assured Rubio of close monitoring of Tren de Aragua and shared similar concerns regarding the gang's activities.

Rubio also raised the issue of Hezbollah's longstanding presence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Chile, where the organization has been generating revenue. He highlighted the importance of addressing the financial networks that support Hezbollah and questioned the Chilean government's stance on cracking down on such operations.

In response to Rubio's inquiries, Mark Wells from the U.S. Department of State emphasized the ongoing efforts to collaborate with Chilean authorities in combating Hezbollah's activities. Wells acknowledged the challenges posed by Hezbollah's operations in the region and reiterated the U.S. government's opposition to the terrorist organization.

Despite expressing disagreement with President Boric's rhetoric on Israel, Rubio sought clarity on Chile's willingness to prioritize confronting Hezbollah as a foreign terrorist organization. Wells reiterated the U.S. government's stance on Hezbollah and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in countering the organization's illicit activities.

Overall, the questioning by Rubio shed light on the complex issues of transnational criminal organizations and terrorist groups operating in the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation and vigilance in addressing these threats.