Duval Times

Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan transnational criminal organization involved in human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering, continues to pose a threat to communities across the United States. In response to calls from Congress members, the Biden-Harris Administration designated Tren de Aragua as a Transnational Crime Organization (TCO) in July 2024.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues have sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the TCO and implement measures to protect American citizens.

"We are extremely concerned with recent reports that U.S.-designated transnational criminal organization (TCO), Tren de Aragua, is expanding its presence within the United States. Given the damaging consequences of their violent crimes on the American people, we write to urge the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Tren de Aragua’s rapid expansion to various states and localities," Rubio stated.

He continued: "After my Republican colleagues and I stressed the heinous and bold crimes committed by Tren de Aragua in American cities, the administration finally designated and sanctioned Tren de Aragua as a TCO. Nevertheless, it appears these efforts occurred too late to prevent the current tragedy that is unfolding across our country – even in communities far from the border."

Joining Rubio were Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and John Hoeven (R-ND). U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), and Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) also signed the letter.

The full text of their letter outlines concerns about Tren de Aragua's expansion within U.S. borders despite its designation as a TCO earlier this year. The lawmakers criticize President Biden's administration for what they describe as inadequate enforcement of immigration laws which they claim has allowed gangs like Tren de Aragua to exploit migrants en route to the border.

They request answers from DOJ regarding specific locations affected by Tren de Aragua's influence, resources allocated since its designation as a TCO, future steps planned by DOJ against this group, and coordination with other federal departments such as Homeland Security and State regarding known members of Tren de Aragua.

The letter concludes with an appeal for prompt attention from Attorney General Garland on this pressing issue.