Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, representing the Greater Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, supported the successful advancement of H.R. 4070, the Tren de Aragua Border Security Threat Assessment Act, out of the House Homeland Security Committee. The bill, which Congressman Mackenzie co‑sponsored, requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue a full threat assessment of Tren de Aragua —a violent transnational criminal organization— and to develop a strategic plan to dismantle its operations in 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. “Members of this Venezuelan gang have operated here in the Lehigh Valley, including Luis Gualdron-Gualdron, the individual who was released from Northampton County jail several months ago ‘after an immigration detainer was not honored,’ according to ICE. I’m committed to ensuring that members of violent cartels do not have a home here in our region.”

Tren de Aragua, the largest criminal organization in Venezuela, has expanded rapidly across the U.S. in recent years. Its members have been tied to crimes including drug smuggling, human trafficking, kidnapping, organized retail theft, extortion, and murder. Law enforcement agencies across the country have raised alarms about Tren de Aragua’s growing presence in the United States, with members suspected of exploiting weaknesses in the previous administration’s immigration enforcement to enter the country and embed in local communities. Earlier this year, three alleged members were charged with homicide and other crimes following a deadly shooting in Monroe County. 

The bill, introduced by Rep. Brad Knott (R‑NC), received strong support from majority members of the Homeland Security Committee and passed out of markup earlier today. The Tren de Aragua Border Security Threat Assessment Act now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives.

Information provided to TVL by:

Lexie Manning