Red States Strategize To Tackle Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua Gang

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The increasing menace of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang has prompted several red states to implement strategic law enforcement measures to curb their influence.

Key Takeaways

The Trump administration used the Alien Enemies Act to deport Tren de Aragua members despite a legal challenge.
Tennessee and other states are actively countering the gang’s activities while navigating complicated legal frameworks around deportation.
The Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang is heavily involved in crimes such as human trafficking and murder.
Legal experts and the Department of Justice have differing views on the deportation’s legality and continuation.

Deportations Under Wartime Powers Act

The Trump administration managed to sidestep a federal judge’s order that temporarily blocked deportations by deploying a little-used wartime act from the 18th century. This legal maneuver allowed the deportation of Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang members from U.S. soil to El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele agreed to house them in prisons. Planes carrying hundreds of immigrants were already en route when the judicial halt was issued, reinforcing the administration’s position that the court order lacked a legal basis.

The deployment of this law has only occurred three times in United States history, highlighting its rarity and controversial nature. The Court’s decision has been appealed by the Department of Justice. Venezuelan officials have openly condemned the use of this act, drawing parallels to historical atrocities to emphasize their objection.

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The Trump administration has begun deporting 230 to 300 Venezuelans, claiming they are linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization. This action, executed without court processes under the Alien Enemy Act,…

— The America One News (@am1_news) March 17, 2025

State-Level Strategies to Combat Threats

In major moves to secure the community from criminal activities, Tennessee and several other red states are actively involved in countering the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang’s influence. Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn voiced support for the deportation of known TdA members. She cited their involvement in violent crimes and trafficking as a pressing reason for their removal to ensure the safety of Tennessee’s communities.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said this of the situation: “The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory.”

The gang is known for its connections to the Cártel de los Soles, a crime syndicate operating in collaboration with the Venezuelan regime. TdA’s lack of identifiable gang markers like tattoos poses a visibility challenge for law enforcement, complicating efforts to track and neutralize their activities effectively.

International Implications and Strategic Partnerships

The deportations are part of a broader international strategy to address gang violence not only in the U.S. but also in Central American countries like El Salvador. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the economic savings in taxpayer dollars resulting from this international cooperation, as El Salvador bears the cost of housing these individuals.

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, “We sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars.”

Overall, the strategic play by the Trump administration utilizing old legislations, combined with local and international partnerships, underscores the complexity of addressing gang-related violence. This approach is aimed at safeguarding American communities while simultaneously relieving regional tensions caused by such elements.

And expand this strategy nationwide utilizing the National Guard to assist with the roundup. In addition, confiscate their government provided cellphone.https://t.co/LYR5UUxiLE

— Kevin Garvey (@KevinGa13211240) October 12, 2024