Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is ramping up efforts to tackle the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, which has been causing chaos across the country.

On Monday, Abbott announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of any gang member associated with their violent operations. This move emphasizes that Texas will not surrender to this growing threat, and the state is prepared to take strong action against the gang’s presence, as reported by the New York Post.

“Tren de Aragua has spread terror and carnage in every country they’ve been in, and Texas will not allow them to gain a foothold in our state,” Abbott declared. His firm stance makes it clear that the Lone Star State isn’t backing down from combating this criminal organization.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about the school voucher initiatives he put before the Texas House of Representatives during the last session, along with the four special sessions that followed, during Tuesday s rally for Liz Case Feb. 27, 2024. Case is challenging District 71 state Rep. Stan Lambert in next week s Republic primary, Lambert is one of several state representatives targeted by Abbott who failed to pass the governor s school voucher legislation.

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The gang has infiltrated the U.S. by sneaking across the border amidst the influx of millions of migrants in recent years. As reported by multiple sources, Tren de Aragua has expanded its reach, trafficking weapons, drugs, and even women throughout the country.

Their criminal activities have been spotted from major hubs like New York and Chicago to quieter areas, leaving a trail of violence.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, a federal official described Tren de Aragua as “MS-13 on steroids,” underscoring the gang’s level of brutality. Comparisons to MS-13 highlight the urgent need to confront this threat before it gains more power.

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Abbott’s crackdown comes after he officially labeled Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization as part of a broader statewide operation. The goal is clear: stop these criminals before they dig deeper into the fabric of Texas communities.

The governor urged anyone with information to step forward, calling for tips to be submitted via the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or online. Abbott reassured potential tipsters that anonymity will be protected, and those who provide useful leads will receive a tip number for tracking.

However, he cautioned the public against trying to take matters into their own hands, emphasizing that law enforcement professionals will handle the arrests.

“With the public’s help, combined with the hard work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will capture these dangerous gang members and put them behind bars for good,” Abbott added, confident in the state’s ability to dismantle this violent organization.