Former U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte raises concerns over Venezuela's reluctance to share information about the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, hindering efforts to combat their growing presence in the United States.
Former U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte has expressed alarm over the Venezuelan government's unwillingness to cooperate with the United States in combating the menacing Tren de Aragua gang. This lack of cooperation, he argues, has seriously hindered efforts to tackle the gang's growing presence in the U.S.
The Tren de Aragua gang, originating from Venezuela's prisons, has established a foothold in various U.S. regions. Its members have been implicated in a series of high-profile crimes, including the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley and the shooting of two NYPD officers during an arrest.
Venezuela's Refusal to Cooperate Thwarts US Efforts to Combat Tren de Aragua Gang
Almonte contends that the Biden administration's open-border policies and sanctuary city initiatives are exacerbating the problem. He believes that the surge in illegal immigration provides cover for gang members to enter the country undetected.
One recent incident in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, has exposed the potential consequences of Venezuela's lack of cooperation. Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, a Tren de Aragua member, was arrested for sexually assaulting a mother and abusing her daughter. He had previously been arrested and released in Minneapolis.
Venezuela's Refusal to Cooperate Thwarts US Efforts to Combat Tren de Aragua Gang
Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden has pointed to the incident as a clear example of the failure to protect American citizens from criminal illegal aliens. He has criticized Wisconsin law enforcement agencies and the Biden administration for not doing enough to combat the gang's spread.
Almonte has emphasized that this issue transcends political affiliations. It is a matter of human rights violations and the safety of American citizens. He has called for increased collaboration with Venezuela and enhanced border security measures.
Venezuela's Refusal to Cooperate Thwarts US Efforts to Combat Tren de Aragua Gang
The unwillingness of the Venezuelan government to assist U.S. law enforcement is a major obstacle in the fight against the Tren de Aragua gang. Almonte has urged the Biden administration to prioritize this issue and demand that Venezuela take accountability for its role in the safety and security of the United States.
Some law enforcement officials, such as Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, have pushed back against these accusations, claiming they are politically motivated. However, Almonte and Van Orden have doubled down on their demands for better cooperation and stricter measures to address the growing threat posed by the gang.
Venezuela's Refusal to Cooperate Thwarts US Efforts to Combat Tren de Aragua Gang
As the Tren de Aragua's presence continues to expand in the U.S., the need for a concerted effort to combat this organization becomes paramount. Venezuela's refusal to cooperate has created a significant challenge, but it should not be an insurmountable obstacle in the pursuit of justice and the protection of American citizens.
