President Trump’s executive order ‘first step’ in eliminating Tren de Aragua, says expert

In one of his first acts as President, Donald Trump has taken a bold step to combat the violent Venezuelan migrant gang known as Tren de Aragua. This criminal group, also referred to as TdA, has been wreaking havoc in American cities and has ties to the socialist Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

The President’s executive order, titled “Designating Cartels And Other Organizations As Foreign Terrorist Organizations And Specially Designated Global Terrorists,” aims to crack down on Tren de Aragua and other criminal organizations operating in the U.S. This move has been hailed as an “extraordinary step” by experts, signaling a strong stance against the group’s illicit activities.

Jose Gustavo Arocha, a former Venezuelan military official and senior fellow at the Center for a Secure Free Society, lauded Trump’s order as a crucial first step in neutralizing TdA. The order instructs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider designating Tren de Aragua, as well as Mexican gang MS-13, as foreign terrorist organizations.

By designating these groups as foreign terrorist organizations, the government gains broader authority to combat their criminal activities. This includes targeting their funding sources and dismantling their operational structures. The order underscores the threat these groups pose to national security, foreign policy, and the U.S. economy, invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to address these threats.

Experts believe that this designation could mark the beginning of the end for Tren de Aragua’s reign of terror in the United States. Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society, highlighted the significance of targeting these groups at the highest level of national security interest. This move sends a clear message that the U.S. will not tolerate criminal organizations operating within its borders.

Andrew Arthur, a law and policy expert, emphasized the importance of cutting off TdA’s funding to cripple their operations. By targeting their financial sources, the government can effectively dismantle the group and prevent them from carrying out their criminal activities. This financial pressure can weaken the organization and disrupt its ability to function.

Overall, President Trump’s executive order signifies a strong commitment to combating violent criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua. By designating them as foreign terrorist organizations, the U.S. government can take decisive action to eliminate their presence and protect the American people from their harmful activities. This bold move sets the stage for meaningful action to dismantle TdA’s operations in the U.S. and ensure the safety and security of the nation.