U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Tren de Aragua gang members as worse than Al Qaeda, defending controversial deportation policies amid criticism. He stated that the gang is one of the world’s most dangerous and emphasized thorough vetting processes by the Department of Homeland Security, despite opposition from families of deportees alleging wrongful targeting.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio likened members of the Tren de Aragua gang to being worse than Al Qaeda, while affirming the administration’s commitment to intensifying forced deportations. During a visit to Guyana, Rubio faced inquiries regarding the deportation of individuals to El Salvador and Venezuela and their alleged gang affiliations.

Rubio characterized the Tren de Aragua as “one of the most dangerous gangs the world has ever seen.” This gang has expanded from Venezuelan prisons into a significant transnational crime organization, boasting thousands of members. He referenced experiences from Guantanamo Bay, stating that Marines reported interactions with gang members that surpassed even those with Al Qaeda detainees.

While acknowledging the severity of the threats posed by Tren de Aragua, Rubio emphasized the need to remove such individuals from the United States. The gang operates across various regions, including Latin America and has recently been designated as a terrorist organization under the Trump administration.

Despite criticism regarding the administration’s approach to deportations, particularly those carried out under a rare 1798 law, Rubio maintained that the Department of Homeland Security conducted thorough vetting before deportations. Some families of deportees have contested these claims, asserting that their loved ones were misidentified as gang members based solely on their tattoos.

The Al Qaeda terrorist organization is known for its role in the September 11 attacks, which resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities, along with a history of violent attacks worldwide. Rubio’s remarks indicate a strong stance against organizations perceived to threaten national and global security.

In summary, Marco Rubio’s comments highlight the grave concerns surrounding the Tren de Aragua gang, presenting them as a significant threat akin to Al Qaeda. His defense of aggressive deportation policies reflects a commitment to national security, despite the backlash over the methods employed. As the debate surrounding these practices continues, the administration asserts confidence in the vetting processes conducted by relevant authorities. This underscores a larger narrative surrounding immigration and security in U.S. policy.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com

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