Rubio Compares Venezuelan Gang Members to Al Qaeda, Defends Deportation Policies
Marco Rubio stated that Tren de Aragua gang members are “worse than Al Qaeda” while defending forced deportation policies amid criticism. He highlighted the gang’s transnational criminal activities and the need for decisive action, despite legal challenges regarding deportations based on potential gang affiliations.
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized members of the Tren de Aragua gang as being more dangerous than Al Qaeda, reinforcing his commitment to controversial deportation practices. While addressing the press in Guyana, Rubio defended the administration’s policy of deporting migrants swiftly, which has faced significant backlash.
Rubio emphasized that Tren de Aragua is a particularly formidable gang, stating that it evolved from Venezuelan prisons into a substantial transnational crime syndicate. He remarked on the severe reputation of these gang members, recalling feedback from Marines at Guantanamo who noted that they were “worse than the Al Qaeda guys” they had encountered.
The secretary underscored the need for decisive action against such groups, asserting, “Think about that. We are getting rid of them and want to get rid of more of them.” He further highlighted Al Qaeda’s historical impact, referencing the tragic events of September 11, 2001, where they were responsible for the loss of nearly 3,000 lives, alongside their global insurgent activities.
The Tren de Aragua’s reach spans several regions, including Latin America and the United States, where the group has recently been designated as a terrorist organization. However, lower U.S. courts have halted the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under an archaic law, pointing out concerns regarding their gang affiliations. Relatives have claimed that some deported individuals were wrongly identified as gang members based solely on tattoos. In response, Rubio expressed trust in the vetting performed by the Department of Homeland Security, asserting that it operated independently of his office.
In conclusion, Marco Rubio’s remarks highlight the perceived severity of the Tren de Aragua gang and the administration’s commitment to addressing threats associated with such groups. His communications assert the necessity for rigorous deportation practices, despite rising criticisms and legal challenges regarding the legitimacy of targeting individuals with gang ties. The administration maintains that thorough vetting processes are in place to mitigate misidentification and wrongful deportations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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