The Trinidad and Tobago government, led by Prime Minister Stuart Young, plans to adopt US policies designating the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua as a terrorist organization. The government prepares to take proactive legal measures despite lacking evidence of the gang’s current activities. Additionally, Young dismissed claims that Venezuelan migrants would be allowed to vote, reiterating their registration status does not confer residency rights.
The Trinidad and Tobago government has decided to adopt the US policy categorizing the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua as a terrorist organization. Prime Minister Stuart Young announced this decision during a press conference following his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Young indicated the government’s commitment to formally recognize the gang, despite lacking current evidence of its operations within Trinidad and Tobago.
In preparation for potential activities by Tren De Aragua, the government plans to take legal measures to classify it as a terrorist group. This includes gathering evidence to present in court regarding the gang’s activities. Young emphasized this as a preemptive strike to ensure authorities can respond effectively if the gang operates within the country.
Tren De Aragua originated from a notorious prison in Venezuela’s Aragua state over a decade ago and has increased its influence as millions of Venezuelans fled the socio-political crisis. The gang has been reported in the US and various Latin American countries, drawing attention from international law enforcement.
In the past, President Donald Trump had also labeled Tren De Aragua as a terrorist organization, using the Alien Enemies Act to initiate deportations of suspected members from the US. Recently, over 200 Venezuelan migrants were deported, although no concrete evidence of their gang affiliations was provided.
During the press conference, Young dismissed rumors suggesting Venezuelan migrants were being registered to vote in the upcoming election. He reiterated that a decision made in 2019 precludes Venezuelan migrants from obtaining residency rights based on their registered status.
He clarified that the registration program is humanitarian, and the rights of the 16,000 Venezuelans who registered in 2019 do not equate to residency. The government continues to assess the program’s duration for future extensions. Young reiterated that Venezuelan immigrants are ineligible to vote, while those who have been naturalized have the same rights as citizens, dependent on immigration investigations into their circumstances.
The Trinidad and Tobago government is responding to the threat posed by the Tren De Aragua by adopting a US-aligned policy that classifies it as a terrorist organization. This proactive legal approach prepares the country for any potential incursion by the gang. Additionally, recent discussions clarified misconceptions regarding Venezuelan migrants’ voting rights, emphasizing their humanitarian registration status without legal residency benefits. Citizens who attain legal status through specific conditions may gain citizenship, contingent on immigration assessments.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
