Chairman D’Esposito: “Tren de Aragua Has Gained a Foothold in the US Because of the Biden Administration and Local Sanctuary-City Policies”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY) delivered the following opening statement in a hearing to examine how President Biden and "border czar" Vice President Harris' open-borders, anti-enforcement policies have put all levels of law enforcement across the nation at heightened risk.

Watch Chairman D'Esposito's full opening statement in a hearing entitled, "Given the Green Light: Open Border Policies and Threats to Law Enforcement."

As prepared for delivery: Today, the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology will examine how President Biden's open border policies have threatened and endangered law enforcement officers across the Nation. Before we begin, I want to thank our witnesses for coming to testify about the threats you and your communities have faced. As a retired NYPD Detective, I know you have a difficult job, and we are grateful for your strong commitment to keeping Americans safe no matter the threats posed against your own personal safety. We commend you for your bravery and service to this great country, and we look forward to hearing your testimony and how Congress can better support you.

Secondly, I want to share that it has been an honor to serve as Chairman of this Subcommittee. I have enjoyed working with my fellow Members, staff, and with Ranking Member Carter throughout the last two years. Together, we investigated several challenges posed against our Nation's homeland security and evaluated the best approaches for moving forward. From grappling with the consequences of open border policies on public safety, to assessing fire safety, evolving technologies, and our national preparedness, we have worked hard to shine a light on the issues impacting Americans across the country and to improve our day-to-day lives. While much remains uncertain, I know that our best days are ahead, and I will keep serving this great Nation and the people of New York's 4th Congressional District to make it a safe place for those we love.

In this subcommittee's previous hearings, we have heard reports of how Americans across the country have endured the devastating consequences of President Biden's open border policies. We learned that transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13, are empowered by the U.S.' failure to secure the Southwest Border and enforce existing immigration laws. TCOs have exploited the chaos at the border and have set up extensive human smuggling operations, drug distribution networks, and human trafficking pipelines. Even in the last few months, it has become abundantly clear that criminals are not only benefiting from the Democrats' failure to maintain law and order, but they're also being emboldened by it.

For instance, earlier this summer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) warned local law enforcement across the country that a Venezuelan gang called Tren de Aragua, or TdA, gave its members a "green light" to attack and fire upon U.S. law enforcement. The Venezuelan criminal organization has been deemed "MS-13 on steroids," establishing drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and extortion networks throughout the Nation. While the gang originally formed in a Venezuelan prison, it has since expanded throughout Latin America and the United States, congregating particularly in Texas, Colorado, and my home state of New York.

Earlier this year, two New York City police officers were assaulted by a migrant shelter near Times Square. One police officer was repeatedly kicked in the head while both of them were surrounded by 13 other people. Shortly after, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg released the suspects without bail. A sickening move that was even criticized by Governor Kathy Hochul.

TdA's "green light" to attack U.S. law enforcement is particularly concerning considering that, last year, assaults against American law enforcement officers reached a 10-year high. Not only that, but our Nation's law enforcement agencies have become strained and overwhelmed due to increasing 911 calls and other demands related to the influx of migrants. Instead of supporting suspected criminals and endangering our Nation's police officers, we should be securing the Southwest Border, enforcing our Nation's laws, and making our police officers' job easier, not more difficult.

In an article by the Wall Street Journal, Joseph Kenny, Chief of Detectives for the New York City Police Department (NYPD), recently said that the Venezuelan gang brought "a wave of crime" that New York City "had never seen before." From shooting at two NYPD police officers who were at a traffic stop, to retail theft, and moped robberies, Tren de Aragua has overwhelmed the NYPD. I'm concerned about incentives for Venezuelan criminals to take up shop in the United States. We know nothing about their criminal history and TdA has gained a foothold in the U.S. because of the Biden Administration and local sanctuary city policies.

As Members of this committee, we need to prioritize the safety of those who put their lives on the line for ours. Thank you again to our witnesses for your courage and your service despite the challenges you've faced. As a retired NYPD detective, I will always have our police officers' back. It has been a privilege to serve in Congress and to shine a light on these issues, and I look forward to learning more about how we can better support our nation's law enforcement officers moving forward.

###