Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, announced the progress of H.R. 4070, known as the Tren de Aragua Border Security Threat Assessment Act. The bill successfully moved out of the House Homeland Security Committee with Mackenzie’s support. As a co-sponsor, Mackenzie emphasized the bill’s requirement for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive threat assessment of Tren de Aragua, a violent transnational criminal organization. The DHS is also tasked with creating a strategic plan to dismantle its operations within the United States.
“Violent, foreign criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua are a clear and present danger to our country and our local communities,” said Congressman Mackenzie. He highlighted concerns about gang members operating in areas such as the Lehigh Valley, referencing Luis Gualdron-Gualdron’s release from Northampton County jail after an immigration detainer was not honored by ICE. “I’m committed to ensuring that members of violent cartels do not have a home here in our region.”
Tren de Aragua is recognized as Venezuela’s largest criminal organization and has seen rapid expansion across the U.S. in recent years. Its activities reportedly include drug smuggling, human trafficking, kidnapping, organized retail theft, extortion, and murder. Law enforcement agencies nationwide have expressed concern over its increasing presence in America. Authorities suspect that some members exploited weaknesses in immigration enforcement policies from the previous administration to enter and establish themselves in local communities. Earlier this year, three alleged members faced charges including homicide following a fatal shooting incident in Monroe County.
