Delegation from El Paso expresses growing concern about presence of Tren De Aragua gang

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — The closure of the Gateway Hotel in downtown El Paso has raised concerns about a Venezuelan gang that was allegedly active there. El Paso's congressional delegation said it understands why Tren De Aragua's presence is a concern.

“The presence of this particular gang is obviously disturbing,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar.

In a statement, Congressman Tony Gonzales said, among other things: “Every day, Tren de Aragua is gaining ground in our country and El Paso is clearly in the market for this dangerous gang. For this reason, I have been a strong advocate for the designation of TDA as a transnational criminal organization.”

According to court documents, “Although the Gateway has operated as a hotel for the past six years, it has done so without a valid occupancy permit and in violation of city regulations.” Crimes committed at the hotel over the past two years include 11 counts of drug abuse, 10 counts of aggravated assault, two counts of terroristic threats and one count of sexual assault of a child.

Escobar said she was still gathering information from law enforcement.

“There are gangs all over the country, a number of different criminal organizations,” said Escobar. “This is obviously not good news, we don't want this. This has been the case for decades.”

Escobar added that she believes conservative media outlets have largely exaggerated the story.

I know the story was blown out of proportion by some right-wing national media outlets.

She said the district attorney followed standard procedures.

“The proceedings that the District Attorney's Office has initiated are not unusual. Even when I was a district judge, the District Attorney's Office initiated these legal proceedings to correct abuses. Be it prostitution, be it drug trafficking, anything that has unduly affected public safety or quality of life.”

If you are a veteran and need help receiving your benefits, Escobar says you can contact her office through her website.

RECOMMENDED: Walmart shooter appears in public state court for first time since 2019; new hearing scheduled

Sign up to receive the most interesting stories from our community and the surrounding area in your inbox once a day.