How Red States Are Tackling The Tren de Aragua Gang Crisis

Red states in the U.S. ramp up their fight against the Tren de Aragua gang, facing legal challenges while aiming to dismantle criminal networks.

Quick Takes

Tennessee leads counter-measures against Tren de Aragua gang activities.
The Trump administration deported Venezuelan gang members using the Alien Enemies Act.
Deportations of 240 gang members continue despite legal challenges.
Tren de Aragua gains power through cartel collaborations threatening U.S. security.

Red States on the Front Lines

In response to the rise of Tren de Aragua, red states like Tennessee are stepping up enforcement efforts. The gang, originating from Venezuela, has expanded operations into the southern U.S., raising concerns about public safety. States are employing significant resources to track and arrest gang members. The goal is not just arrests but long-lasting solutions to impede the gang’s expansion and protect American communities.

President Trump’s administration played a key role by deporting hundreds of Tren de Aragua members to El Salvador. This swift action was carried out despite a federal judge’s order to halt deportations temporarily. Utilizing an 18th-century legal tool, the Alien Enemies Act, the administration claimed the order had no lawful foundation, as members had been deported before the ruling was issued.

https://t.co/9edeLdTXeb
The Trump administration has begun deporting 230 to 300 Venezuelans, claiming they are linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization. This action, executed without court processes under the Alien Enemy Act,…

— The America One News (@am1_news) March 17, 2025

Legal Challenges and Deportation Efforts

Legal challenges continue to arise. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg recently issued an order halting deportations, sparking debate about jurisdiction and legal compliance. Furthermore, the Department of Justice’s appeal seeks to overturn this decision, allowing deportations under the Alien Enemies Act to proceed. However, legal experts argue about the ethicality and legality of these deportations, highlighting concerns about the process being potentially misused.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt countered this worry, saying, “The administration did not ‘refuse to comply’ with a court order. The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA aliens had already been removed from U.S. territory.”

Despite controversy, Tennessee officials are determined to combat the threats posed by Tren de Aragua. The gang’s lack of visible identifiers makes their crimes difficult to categorize, adding to the complexity of law enforcement efforts. Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn has expressed support for firm deportation practices, emphasizing the gang’s involvement in violent activities, including sex trafficking, which threaten local communities’ safety.

Strategic Gain Against Organized Crime

Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded the deportation actions, saying, “We sent over 250 alien enemy members of Tren de Aragua which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price that will also save our taxpayer dollars.” This move builds on an agreement with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to house and manage the detainees in El Salvador, who himself noted the timing of the court’s order, saying, “Oopsie… Too late.”

Despite the controversies surrounding administration decisions, red states continue to bolster their efforts against Tren de Aragua. The gang’s association with the Venezuelan Cártel de los Soles signifies an organized threat that goes beyond conventional street crimes. As states like Tennessee fight back, residents hope for reduced crime rates and a safer environment.