Trinidad and Tobago’s government plans to adopt US terrorism policy targeting the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua, designating it as a terrorist organization. Prime Minister Stuart Young confirmed the initiative, stressing proactive legal measures despite a lack of direct evidence of the gang’s presence. Additionally, false claims about Venezuelan migrants voting in elections were denied, emphasizing the humanitarian nature of the migrant registration program.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has committed to adopting the United States’ policy targeting the Venezuelan gang, Tren De Aragua. Prime Minister Stuart Young made this announcement during a post-cabinet media conference after his visit to Jamaica, where he had discussed the gang’s designation as a terrorist organization with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Young stated that despite the absence of evidence regarding the gang’s presence in Trinidad and Tobago, the government will undertake legal measures to officially label it as a terrorist group. This proactive strategy aims to ensure that legal provisions are in place should the gang attempt to operate within the country.
The Tren De Aragua originated in a notorious Venezuelan prison over a decade ago and has since expanded, with its influence seen in parts of the United States and Latin America, including Peru and Colombia. Former President Donald Trump also declared the gang a terrorist organization, invoking historical legislation allowing for the deportation of non-citizens during wartime.
Young addressed misinformation regarding Venezuelan migrants registering to vote in the upcoming general election, labeling these claims as false. He clarified that a decision made in 2019 prohibits the inclusion of registered migrants in residency calculations and emphasized that this registration was a humanitarian effort without granting voting rights.
He also affirmed that individuals naturalized through marriage and other circumstances would receive citizenship and associated rights, although ultimately the approval of citizenship applications remains at the discretion of immigration officers. The government maintains its registration program for Venezuelan migrants as a humanitarian measure, aiming to make further policy decisions regarding its continuation in the future.
In summary, Trinidad and Tobago is taking steps to adopt a US-style policy against the Tren De Aragua gang, aiming to classify it as a terrorist organization despite the current lack of evidence of its activity in the country. Furthermore, government officials have refuted rumors about Venezuelan migrants voting in elections and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing a humanitarian stance toward migrant registration. Legal measures regarding citizenship remain dependent on appropriate investigations by immigration officers.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
