Posted on 03/26/2025 6:22:19 AM PDT by Brian Griffin
Tren de Aragua (TdA) is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization with thousands of members, many of whom have unlawfully infiltrated the United States and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States. TdA operates in conjunction with Cártel de los Soles, the Nicolas Maduro regime-sponsored, narco-terrorism enterprise based in Venezuela, and commits brutal crimes, including murders, kidnappings, extortions, and human, drug, and weapons trafficking. TdA has engaged in and continues to engage in mass illegal migration to the United States to further its objectives of harming United States citizens, undermining public safety, and supporting the Maduro regime’s goal of destabilizing democratic nations in the Americas, including the United States.
TdA is closely aligned with, and indeed has infiltrated, the Maduro regime, including its military and law enforcement apparatus. TdA grew significantly while Tareck El Aissami served as governor of Aragua between 2012 and 2017. In 2017, El Aissami was appointed as Vice President of Venezuela. Soon thereafter, the United States Department of the Treasury designated El Aissami as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, 21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq. El Aissami is currently a United States fugitive facing charges arising from his violations of United States sanctions triggered by his Department of the Treasury designation.
Like El Aissami, Nicolas Maduro, who claims to act as Venezuela’s President and asserts control over the security forces and other authorities in Venezuela, also maintains close ties to regime-sponsored narco-terrorists. Maduro leads the regime-sponsored enterprise Cártel de los Soles, which coordinates with and relies on TdA and other organizations to carry out its objective of using illegal narcotics as a weapon to “flood” the United States. In 2020, Maduro and other regime members were charged with narcoterrorism and other crimes in connection with this plot against America.
Over the years, Venezuelan national and local authorities have ceded ever-greater control over their territories to transnational criminal organizations, including TdA. The result is a hybrid criminal state that is perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States, and which poses a substantial danger to the United States. Indeed, in December 2024, INTERPOL Washington confirmed: “Tren de Aragua has emerged as a significant threat to the United States as it infiltrates migration flows from Venezuela.” Evidence irrefutably demonstrates that TdA has invaded the United States and continues to invade, attempt to invade, and threaten to invade the country; perpetrated irregular warfare within the country; and used drug trafficking as a weapon against our citizens.
Based upon a review of TdA’s activities, and in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, on February 20, 2025, acting pursuant to the authority in 8 U.S.C. 1189, the Secretary of State designated TdA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
As President of the United States and Commander in Chief, it is my solemn duty to protect the American people from the devastating effects of this invasion. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Alien Enemies Act, 50 U.S.C. 21 et seq., hereby proclaim and direct as follows:
Section 1. I find and declare that TdA is perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States. TdA is undertaking hostile actions and conducting irregular warfare against the territory of the United States both directly and at the direction, clandestine or otherwise, of the Maduro regime in Venezuela. I make these findings using the full extent of my authority to conduct the Nation’s foreign affairs under the Constitution. Based on these findings, and by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including 50 U.S.C. 21, I proclaim that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of TdA, are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies. I further find and declare that all such members of TdA are, by virtue of their membership in that organization, chargeable with actual hostility against the United States and are therefore ineligible for the benefits of 50 U.S.C. 22. I further find and declare that all such members of TdA are a danger to the public peace or safety of the United States.
Sec. 2. I direct the Attorney General, within 60 days of the date of this proclamation, to prepare and publish a letter under her signature declaring the policy described in section 1 of this proclamation as the policy of the United States and attaching this proclamation. I direct the Attorney General to transmit this letter to the Chief Justice of the United States, the chief judge of every circuit court of appeals, the chief judge of every district and territorial court of the United States, each Governor of a State and territory of the United States, and the highest-ranking judicial officer of each State and territory of the United States.
Sec. 3. I direct that all Alien Enemies described in section 1 of this proclamation are subject to immediate apprehension, detention, and removal, and further that they shall not be permitted residence in the United States.
Sec. 4. Pursuant to the Alien Enemies Act, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, apprehend, restrain, secure, and remove every Alien Enemy described in section 1 of this proclamation. The Secretary of Homeland Security retains discretion to apprehend and remove any Alien Enemy under any separate authority.
Sec. 5. All executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall collaborate with law enforcement officials of the United States and with appropriate State, local, and tribal officials, to use all lawful means to apprehend, restrain, secure, and remove Alien Enemies described in section 1 of this proclamation.
Sec. 6. Pursuant to my authority under 50 U.S.C. 21 to direct the conduct to be observed on the part of the United States toward the Alien Enemies subject to this proclamation, to direct the manner and degree of the restraint to which such Alien Enemies shall be subject and in what cases, to provide for the removal of such Alien Enemies, and to establish any other regulations which are found necessary “in the premises and for the public safety,” I hereby direct the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to execute all the regulations hereinafter contained regarding the Alien Enemies described in section 1 of this proclamation. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security are further directed to cause the apprehension, detention, and removal of all members of TdA who otherwise qualify as Alien Enemies under section 1 of this proclamation. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security are authorized to take all necessary actions under the Alien Enemies Act to effectuate this proclamation, consistent with applicable law. In doing so, and for such purpose, they are authorized to utilize agents, agencies, and officers of the United States Government and of the several States, territories, dependencies, and municipalities thereof and of the District of Columbia. All such agents, agencies, and officers are hereby granted full authority for all acts done by them in the execution of such regulations when acting by direction of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as the case may be.
Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Alien Enemies Act, 50 U.S.C. 21 et seq., I hereby declare and establish the following regulations which I find necessary “in the premises and for the public safety”:
(a) No Alien Enemy described in section 1 of this proclamation shall enter, attempt to enter, or be found within any territory subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Any such Alien Enemy who enters, attempts to enter, or is found within such territory shall be immediately apprehended and detained until removed from the United States. All such Alien Enemies, wherever found within any territory subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, are subject to summary apprehension.
(b) Alien Enemies apprehended pursuant to this proclamation shall be subject to detention until removed from the United States in such place of detention as may be directed by the officers responsible for the execution of these regulations.
(c) Alien Enemies shall be subject to removal to any such location as may be directed by the officers responsible for the execution of these regulations consistent with applicable law.
(d) All property in the possession of, or traceable to, an Alien Enemy, which is used, intended to be used, or is commonly used to perpetrate the hostile activity and irregular warfare of TdA, along with evidence of such hostile activity and irregular warfare, shall be subject to seizure and forfeiture.
The Attorney General is further granted authority, pursuant to the Alien Enemies Act and 3 U.S.C. 301, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to issue any guidance necessary to effectuate the prompt apprehension, detention, and removal of all Alien Enemies described in section 1 of this proclamation. Any such guidance shall be effective immediately upon issuance by the Attorney General.
This proclamation and the directives and regulations prescribed herein shall extend and apply to all land and water, continental or insular, in any way within the jurisdiction of the United States.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500
Not saying it was better or worse or applying a value judgement, but in the 1960s we probably would have chopped the head off the snake rather than chasing its tail
I read the order, but did not see repercussions for US citizens siding and betting said terrorists. Esoecially one involving a certain judge’s daughter.
Like we did at the Bay of Pigs?
If TdA has perpetrated “an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States” then declare WAR and stop treating this as a police actio. Turn our military loose on them.
It's the Congress who declares war, not the President. Good luck getting such a declaration from that crowd. In the absence of that, a police action is the best he's gonna get.
I believe that might fall under the Patriot Act reauthorized sections...
Until the whole thing expired in 2020 under the Democrat controlled congress.
so we are only left with this: (summary via Grok)
In the United States, the primary law covering aiding and abetting declared terrorist organizations as of March 26, 2025, is 18 U.S.C. § 2339B. This statute, enacted as part of the broader framework to combat terrorism, makes it illegal to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to a foreign terrorist organization designated by the U.S. Secretary of State under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1189).
Key Provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B:
Prohibited Actions: It criminalizes knowingly providing material support or resources, which includes tangible aid (e.g., money, weapons, or training) as well as intangible aid (e.g., personnel, expert advice, or services) to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Knowledge Requirement: The individual must know that the organization is a designated terrorist group, has engaged in terrorist activity, or engages in terrorism as defined under U.S. law.
Jurisdiction: The law applies within the United States and extraterritorially to anyone subject to U.S. jurisdiction, meaning it can cover actions taken abroad by U.S. persons or those with sufficient ties to the U.S.
Penalties: Violations can result in fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years. If the support leads to the death of any person, the penalty can increase to life imprisonment.
Aiding and Abetting Connection:
While 18 U.S.C. § 2339B focuses on providing material support, the general aiding and abetting statute, 18 U.S.C. § 2, complements it. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2, anyone who aids, abets, counsels, commands, induces, or procures the commission of an offense (such as violating § 2339B) is punishable as a principal. This means that someone who assists or encourages another to provide material support to a terrorist organization can be held liable as if they directly committed the act.
Additional Context:
Designation Process: The U.S. Department of State maintains a list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Supporting any group on this list triggers liability under § 2339B.
Related Statute: 18 U.S.C. § 2339A also prohibits providing material support or resources knowing they will be used to carry out specific terrorist acts (e.g., bombings or assassinations), but it differs from § 2339B by not requiring the recipient to be a designated organization.
Civil Liability: The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), amending 18 U.S.C. § 2333, allows civil lawsuits against those who aid and abet acts of international terrorism by designated FTOs by knowingly providing substantial assistance.
In summary, 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, in conjunction with 18 U.S.C. § 2, is the key law today addressing aiding and abetting declared terrorist organizations in the United States, focusing on material support to designated foreign groups.
PLEASE NOTE WHEN FTO EXPIRES!!!
The designation process for identifying Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) in the United States is a formal procedure overseen by the U.S. Department of State under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1189. This process allows the Secretary of State to designate an organization as an FTO, triggering legal consequences such as those under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B (prohibiting material support). Here’s how it works:
Steps in the Designation Process:
Identification and Investigation:
The process begins with intelligence gathering by agencies like the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Treasury, and intelligence community (e.g., CIA, FBI).
They assess whether a group meets the statutory criteria for designation based on its activities and threat level.
Statutory Criteria:
To be designated as an FTO, an organization must meet three requirements:
Foreign Organization: The group must be foreign, meaning it operates primarily outside the U.S. or has foreign leadership/membership.
Terrorist Activity: The organization must engage in “terrorist activity” (as defined in 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(3)(B)) or “terrorism” (as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 2656f(d)(2)). This includes acts like bombings, assassinations, or hijackings that threaten human life or U.S. interests.
National Security Threat: The group’s activities must threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.
Preparation of an Administrative Record:
The State Department compiles an administrative record with evidence (often classified) supporting the designation. This includes intelligence reports, public statements, or documented attacks by the group.
The record must demonstrate that the group meets the above criteria.
Interagency Review:
The State Department consults with the DOJ and Treasury Department to ensure legal and policy alignment.
This step confirms the designation’s consistency with U.S. counterterrorism priorities and international obligations.
Notification to Congress:
At least seven days before the designation takes effect, the Secretary of State notifies key congressional leaders, including the Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and chairs of relevant committees (e.g., Foreign Affairs, Judiciary).
The notification includes the group’s name, the intent to designate, and a summary of findings.
Publication in the Federal Register:
The designation is officially announced by publishing a notice in the Federal Register, the U.S. government’s official journal. This public announcement marks the effective date of the designation.
For example, when a group like Hamas or ISIS is designated, this step makes it legally binding and notifies the public.
Legal Consequences:
Once designated, it becomes illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B to provide material support to the FTO.
The group’s assets in the U.S. can be frozen, and its members may face immigration restrictions (e.g., inadmissibility to the U.S.).
Review and Revocation:
Duration: An FTO designation lasts until explicitly revoked or expires after two years if not renewed.
Review Process: Every five years, the State Department reviews each designation to determine if it still meets the criteria. The organization can also petition for revocation, providing evidence that its behavior has changed (e.g., cessation of terrorism).
Revocation: The Secretary of State can revoke a designation if the group no longer meets the criteria or if revocation serves U.S. national security interests. Congress can also force revocation by passing legislation.
Judicial Review: A designated organization can challenge the decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit within 30 days of publication, though the court’s review is limited to the administrative record and typically upholds designations if procedurally sound.
Examples:
Groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Hezbollah, and Boko Haram have been designated through this process, based on their documented terrorist acts and threats to U.S. interests.
As of March 26, 2025, the State Department maintains an updated list of FTOs, accessible on its website, reflecting ongoing designations and revocations.
Purpose:
The designation process aims to isolate terrorist groups financially, deter support from individuals or entities, and signal U.S. resolve against terrorism globally. It’s a blend of administrative action, legal authority, and diplomatic signaling, carefully structured to balance security needs with procedural fairness.
So some of those religious NGOs, Pro Bono lawyers, etc?
Thank you.
You are welcome. So as you can note as well, very little can/will be productive until CONGRESS has the courage to act. The Executive side is doing all they can at the moment.
Sigh. I will not hold my breath.
Unfortunately, the alien can just claim through his government-paid lawyer he is acting on his own or with a buddy.
Team Trump should be able to remove any alien who has committed a crime.
Aliens who resist removal by making a false claim on a removal opposition form should be subject to incarceration for up to ten times as long as they have delayed removal.
We have a seat on a plane for you is all that the government should have to say or provide.
If you’re found inadmissible, you’ll be denied a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), refused entry to, or removed from Canada.
You could be found inadmissible for a number of reasons, such as:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/reasons.html
“certain judge’s daughter”
No foreign-born federal judge should hear an immigration, asylum or removal case.
No district court federal judge should hear a case who has a parent, aunt, uncle, sibling, child, grandchild or known partner of such close relative or a personal partner with a case related interest.
Unfortunately, legal types get a pass on helping terrorists.
The Attorney General should be able to remove aliens by putting them on a plane and handing them an International Money Order for the amount of plane fare back to the USA plus the State Department visa application fee.
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