Texas Senator Ted Cruz made a firm commitment to take decisive action against undocumented migrants who have been involved in serious criminal activities in the United States.
According to Cruz, in an interview with Newsweek, he emphasized that once January 20 arrives, the top priority will be to secure the border. He firmly stated that the practice of catch and release will come to an end. Cruz made it clear that if you are an illegal alien, a murderer, a rapist, a child molester, or a member of a Venezuelan gang, it is time to pack your bags because there will be no leniency and you will be forced to leave.
“And let me assure you, it won’t be a year-long process. It won’t even take six months. The numbers of illegal immigration are going to drastically decrease, and we can expect this change to happen as early as January and February of this year.”
Why It Matters
Cruz’s mention of “Venezuelan gang members” appears to allude to the infamous Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang.
TdA gained national attention when a video surfaced showing armed gang members raiding an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado in August 2024. This gang has allegedly been involved in a string of notable crimes throughout the United States, including murder, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.
President-elect Donald Trump has made a commitment to implementing a tough immigration agenda that aims to address the issue of illegal migration, cartels, and crime syndicates.
What to Know
On December 5, suspected TdA gang members were apprehended by the NYPD during a raid on a five-story apartment complex situated beside the Doña Juana day care center in the Bronx. Cruz’s remarks followed this incident.
According to a law enforcement source who spoke to Fox News, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the NYPD’s federal task force carried out the raid. The operation resulted in the arrest of 22 suspected members of the crime syndicate, with a separate raid taking place in Brooklyn.
Cruz emphasized the importance of border security during his speech at the “AmericaFest” event in Phoenix, Arizona on December 22. He shared the stage with Trump and reiterated his commitment to making it a central focus of his policy agenda.
“I must admit, this election has bestowed upon President Donald J. Trump a Republican Senate and a Republican House, signifying a clear mandate to fulfill our commitments,” Cruz expressed during Trump’s inaugural rally after securing victory in the election.
In just one month, President Trump will ensure the border is secure. His plan is to revive job opportunities, decrease prices, safeguard American families, imprison criminals, and prioritize the safety of our children.
Cruz has actively emphasized the importance of addressing TdA to raise awareness.
The gang has been linked to a series of grave offenses, which include the killings of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray in Texas and 22-year-old Laken Riley in Georgia.
In October, authorities in El Paso, Texas, apprehended a suspected sex trafficking ringleader known as La Barbie. This individual is believed to have connections to the Venezuelan gang.
What People Are Saying
In an interview with Newsweek, Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat representing Texas’s 28th congressional district, expressed his concern over TdA, stating that it is causing security issues and asserting that those people should never have been allowed to enter.
According to the speaker, certain countries like Venezuela, Cuba, China, and others have a practice of requesting criminal records when stopping individuals. This is common in countries such as Mexico and Central America as well.
Identifying individuals from these countries becomes incredibly challenging as they do not share any information with us. Unless they already have a record or possess distinguishing features like tattoos, it proves to be a difficult task to identify them.
Texas Republican Representative Troy Nehls expressed his concerns to Fox News Digital, emphasizing his previous warnings to the Biden Administration regarding the infiltration of violent criminals from Venezuela into the United States. Nehls highlighted the alarming reach of Tren de Aragua, stating that their presence has expanded to nearly 20 states, including Texas.
What Happens Next
Less than a month away from his return to the White House, Trump has made a bold promise to execute the most extensive deportation operation in the history of the United States.
On the first day of his second administration, the president-elect makes a commitment to take decisive action on immigration. He pledges to close down the CBP One asylum application app, put an end to catch-and-release, reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy, and prioritize border security. These measures reflect his firm stance on immigration and his determination to enforce stricter policies.
