Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) issued the below statement following an announcement that the Biden administration plans to designate Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization.

“Tren de Aragua has been an agent of chaos and terror throughout Central and South America, and we have evidence that this dangerous gang has expanded operations in Mexico.  We also know that Tren de Aragua members have entered the United States. Tren de Aragua is the epitome of evil, it’s graphic, but this gang is known to rape children, spearhead murders, and cause widespread chaos,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “For months, I pushed the Biden administration and top national security officials to designate Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization. This designation is an important step in the right direction, but we cannot lose sight of the root of the problem—a lapse in border security and immigration enforcement. The Biden administration must prioritize implementing real border security solutions Republicans have pushed for—closing asylum loopholes, ending catch and release, and increasing repatriation efforts.”

In March, Congressman Gonzales joined U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rep. María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) in urging President Joe Biden to formally designate Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization.

In April during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, Congressman Gonzales questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray on the agency’s plan to combat Tren de Aragua.