
A Texas Republican proposes designating Mexican cartels and Venezuelan gangs as terrorist organizations, aiming to strengthen border security and combat transnational crime.
At a Glance
- Rep. Tony Gonzales introduces the “Security First Act” to label cartels and gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)
- The bill aims to increase funding for Operation Stonegarden and enhance border technology
- Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, has expanded its presence in the U.S.
- The legislation has bipartisan support and backing from law enforcement groups
Proposed Legislation Targets Cartels and Gangs
Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas is taking a bold stance against transnational criminal organizations with the introduction of the “Security First Act.” This legislation seeks to designate Mexican drug cartels and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). The move would significantly expand law enforcement’s ability to combat these groups’ operations within the United States.
“It’s time to call them what they are, they’re terrorist organizations, and they terrorize our community,” Rep. Tony Gonzales said.
The FTO designation would enable targeted actions against members of these organizations, including imposing financial penalties and restricting support. This approach aligns with the Trump administration’s tough stance on cartels and reflects growing concerns about the increasing presence of criminal groups like TdA in states such as Texas, Colorado, and New York.
The Security First Act goes beyond mere designations, too. It proposes increased funding for Operation Stonegarden, a federal grant program that provides resources to state and local law enforcement agencies for enhanced border security efforts. This financial boost aims to strengthen the capabilities of frontline defenders against these criminal organizations.
Additionally, the bill calls for comprehensive reports on border technology needs and an examination of Customs and Border Protection hiring practices. These measures are designed to modernize and improve the efficacy of border security operations, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are equipped with the latest tools and staffed with thoroughly vetted personnel.
Bipartisan Support and Law Enforcement Backing
The Security First Act has garnered bipartisan support, amazingly, which is a crucial factor in its potential success. Law enforcement groups, including the Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalition, have thrown their weight behind the legislation, recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat these criminal organizations.
Pam Bondi, nominated for a position in the Department of Justice, has expressed support for designating Mexican cartels as FTOs, further bolstering the bill’s credibility. This alignment between legislative efforts and law enforcement perspectives underscores the growing consensus on the need for decisive action against these transnational threats.
“I personally went to Mexico. I personally dealt with these cartels when I was a state prosecutor. And they are a grave and violent threat to our country,” Pam Bondi said.
While Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already declared TdA an FTO at the state level, Gonzales emphasizes that this is a national issue requiring federal intervention. The congressman argues that the threat posed by these organizations extends far beyond the border states, affecting communities across all 50 states.