Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a challenge to Vice President Kamala Harris, urging her to designate the Tren de Aragua, a violent criminal group originating from Venezuela, as a terrorist organization. Abbott highlighted the organization’s alleged involvement in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and human smuggling, particularly at the southern border.
In his statement, Abbott argued that formally labeling Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group would enable stronger enforcement measures to counter its influence. The governor emphasized that the organization’s activities pose significant threats to national security, impacting border states like Texas.
Abbott’s call reflects his ongoing concerns about border security and the challenges posed by organized crime groups operating across borders. He underscored that such a designation could provide law enforcement with additional tools to address the group’s criminal network more effectively.
This request comes amid broader discussions on how to address transnational crime at the border, with Abbott pushing for a more assertive federal response. As the conversation around border policy and security intensifies, Abbott’s proposal has drawn attention to the measures needed to counter growing security challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border.