Lawmakers Want Venezuelan Gang Named Transnational Criminal Group

Twenty-three House and Senate Republicans urged President Joe Biden to designate Venezuela’s largest criminal gang, Tren de Aragua, a Transnational Criminal Organization, saying the group poses a growing threat to the U.S. as well as to Central and South America.

“This designation is crucial to effectively mobilize national awareness as a result of this threat, as well as deploy necessary resources and sanctions that will help to curb the escalating crime and violence threatening communities across the United States,” the lawmakers wrote in a March 14 letter.

The letter was led by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla. The White House referred a request for comment to the Treasury Department, which had no immediate response.