A top border lawmaker calls for declaring a bloodthirsty gang a terrorist organization: "Take the gloves off"

A Republican congressman representing a district along the southern border is introducing legislation to classify Tren de Aragua (TdA) and Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

The "Security First Act," introduced by Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, proposes that the secretary of state must take into account designating Mexican drug cartels and TdA as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

An FTO designation enables targeted action against members, including financial penalties. It is illegal to support or provide resources to an FTO, and financial institutions must report any funds related to them to the Treasury. The State Department states that designations discourage donations and efforts to reduce financing.

Gonzales' bill would increase funding for Operation Stonegarden, a federal grant for border security, and require reports on technology and hiring practices at Customs and Border Protection.

The surge of TdA, a gang originating from Venezuelan prisons, has intensified at the southern border, prompting border officials to classify it as a top priority due to its influence in states such as Texas, Colorado, and New York.

The Texas governor declared TdA an FTO and established a database to verify if arrestees are members of the gang. Now, Gonzales wants the incoming administration to take more action against the bloodthirsty gang.

"It's time to call them what they are, terrorist organizations, and they terrorize our community," he said. "I'm grateful President Trump is in there, and it's time for us to not only take the gloves off, but put some teeth in the legislation. So that way we throw the book at these guys."

Gonzales stated that he is confident that the bill, although it does not explicitly declare TdA an FTO, would align with the administration's thinking if the secretary of state considers it.

Those living near the border are already aware of the terror they face, but others may require a commission to confirm it. However, I am confident in this administration's ability to handle the issue, as Trump has addressed it effectively.

During her confirmation hearing, Pam Bondi, Trump's nominee for the Department of Justice, expressed her support for labeling Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

"As a state prosecutor, I personally dealt with these cartels and they pose a grave and violent threat to our country," she stated.

The threat from the gang is not limited to the border, as Gonzales emphasized.

"They're not staying in Texas. One thing that I suspect is TDA is in all 50 states. So this isn't a border issue. This is an American issue," he said. "And how do we get TDA out of all 50 states? You label them as a terrorist organization, and you turn law enforcement loose to go after and scoop them up."

Gonzales has a history of working with Democrats on border security issues, and he hopes that this bill will gain bipartisan support due to a shift in immigration views among some Democrats, who have recently supported bills like the Laken Riley Act.

"Gonzales stated, "I believe you're aware of the shift occurring." Specifically, he pointed out that House Democrats have lost the Senate, the House, the White House, and a significant portion of their support due to their stance on border security and the border."

This bill already has the backing of sheriff groups in the area.

The Security First Act will greatly enhance Operation Stonegarden's capabilities and classify cartels as terrorist groups, while utilizing advanced technology to monitor and secure our southern border's remote regions. Clint McDonald, a former sheriff and Executive Director of the Southwestern Border Sheriff's Coalition and Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition, expressed his support for this bill in a statement.