MIAMI, FL - A man believed to be a member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang has been arrested in Florida under the authority of the Alien Enemies Act. The arrest, conducted jointly by the Florida Highway Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, represents the first known instance of the Act being used against a suspected gang member since its recent re-invocation.
The Alien Enemies Act, initially passed in 1798 and later amended, grants the President broad powers during times of war or declared national emergency to apprehend, restrain, secure, and remove alien enemies. While historically used during wartime, its recent application has sparked debate regarding its scope and potential impact on immigration enforcement.
Details surrounding the suspect's identity and the specific charges against him remain limited. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that he is a Venezuelan national and is suspected of involvement in the Tren de Aragua gang's criminal activities, which include drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. The investigation is ongoing, and further information is expected to be released in the coming days.
This arrest highlights the growing concerns surrounding transnational gang activity and the government's efforts to combat it through various legal mechanisms. The use of the Alien Enemies Act in this context signals a potentially significant shift in immigration enforcement strategy.
Alleged Tren de Aragua Gang Member Detained Under Alien Enemies Act
A Venezuelan national, suspected of being a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, has been detained in Florida. The arrest was made by Florida Highway Patrol and ICE agents. This marks the first detention under the recently invoked Alien Enemies Act. The Act, originally enacted during World War II, allows for the detention of citizens from hostile nations deemed a threat to national security.