West STL News

Congresswoman Ann Wagner and several Missouri Republican colleagues have raised concerns to President Joe Biden regarding reports of illegal immigrant gang members from Venezuela being released into communities. The lawmakers, including Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, along with Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer, Sam Graves, Jason Smith, Mark Alford, and Eric Burlison, are questioning the administration's handling of these cases.

In a letter addressed to President Biden, the group expressed their "deep and growing concern" about what they describe as the administration's failure to hold Venezuela accountable for delays in deporting illegal immigrants. They argue that these delays risk public safety and give the impression that foreign nations can influence U.S. immigration law enforcement.

The situation came to light following an incident on October 25, 2024, when Clinton County law enforcement briefly detained two Venezuelan nationals identified by Homeland Security Investigations as members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Despite this identification, Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly instructed local authorities to release them due to Venezuela's lack of cooperation in deportation efforts.

The letter further states: "…Despite identifying Tren de Aragua as a 'deadly criminal threat,' your Administration reportedly directed local law enforcement in Missouri to release a known member of this organization due to Venezuela’s refusal to cooperate on deportation cases."

The legislators are urging the Biden Administration to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy as a measure "to ensure that dangerous gang members are not paroled into our communities."