Federal authorities have apprehended over 2,700 individuals linked to the Tren de Aragua (TDA), a notorious Venezuelan gang that has become emblematic of the Trump administration’s efforts against illegal immigration and mass expulsions since he took office, officials stated on Friday.
During a press conference at the White House, Attorney General Pam Bondy addressed the priorities around immigration enforcement, particularly when it comes to undocumented individuals. Responding to a question, she emphasized that violent illegal immigrants are prioritized for deportation.
“I want to put this in perspective,” she remarked. “Today marks the 2,711th arrest of TDA members in our country. It’s clear that everyone here acknowledges they are among the most violent criminal organizations globally.”
Bondy has consistently criticized the influx of illegal immigrants, asserting that the TDA has gained a stronghold in the U.S. due to what she sees as the Biden administration’s lenient border policies.
FBI assessments indicate that the Venezuelan government uses TDA as a means to undermine public safety in the U.S., further complicating the narrative around these groups.
Moreover, the Trump administration classified these gangs as terrorist organizations, facilitating quicker expulsions under laws that are currently facing legal challenges. “This means that, with President Trump’s authority, we can effectively ensure safer communities by removing these gangs. A single district court judge shouldn’t override that,” she noted.
In recent years, TDA has been associated with a range of high-profile crimes, causing significant alarm in places like Colorado.
