**Title**: Texas Intensifies Crackdown on Venezuelan Gang "Tren de Aragua"
**Sapo**: Governor Greg Abbott declares Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization, vowing to halt their operations and keep them behind bars for extended periods.
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**Article**:
As the Biden administration faces criticism for allowing a surge in Venezuelan migrants, Texas has taken matters into its own hands to combat the growing threat posed by the violent Venezuelan gang "Tren de Aragua" (TdA).
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Governor Greg Abbott has declared TdA a foreign terrorist organization, unlocking a range of legal tools to more effectively target the gang. This move empowers the state with the authority to:
* **Halt their operations:** Texas courts can now issue injunctions to prevent TdA from conducting any activities within the state.
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* **Seize assets:** Authorities can use civil asset forfeiture to seize property and assets owned by gang members or used in criminal activities.
* **Increase criminal penalties:** Enhanced criminal penalties will be imposed on TdA members, resulting in longer prison sentences for those convicted of gang-related crimes.
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To further bolster its efforts, Texas has established nine anti-gang units across the state. These units will collaborate at the federal, state, and local levels to identify, apprehend, and prosecute TdA members.
Abbott asserts that Texas will "bring the full weight of the government" against TdA. He emphasizes that the state will "seek them, find them, and put them behind bars" to protect its citizens.
The designation of TdA as a foreign terrorist organization follows a number of high-profile crimes linked to the gang. Recent reports indicate that TdA members have been involved in shootings, drug trafficking, and other violent activities in various states.
The Biden administration had previously designated TdA as a "significant transnational criminal organization" but stopped short of classifying it as a terrorist organization. Texas's decision to take this step is seen as a more aggressive approach to combating the gang's activities.
Law enforcement officials in Dallas and Denver have reported sightings of TdA members and suspected gang activity. Authorities are prioritizing efforts to dismantle the gang's operations and prevent further violence.
Despite the Biden administration's parole program for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, Texas remains determined to address the influx of Venezuelan migrants who may be affiliated with TdA. The state is actively working to track and monitor individuals coming across the border from Venezuela to identify potential gang members.
Governor Abbott has signed legislation targeting specific activities associated with TdA. Mandatory minimum sentences of at least ten years in prison will be imposed on gang members who engage in certain criminal offenses.
Texas is leading the charge in taking a proactive stance against Tren de Aragua, recognizing the threat posed by this violent gang. By declaring TdA a foreign terrorist organization and deploying additional resources, the state aims to disrupt its operations, remove its members from the streets, and create a safe environment for its citizens.
