According to Democrats, the old west is still alive and well in Texas. A viral story claims that US Marines were involved in shootouts with Venezuelan gangs. The story came from a satirical website and has no basis in fact. Texas officials have classified Tren de Aragua as a “foreign terrorist organization.” The gang’s presence in the United States has been exaggerated, but it remains a concern.
The Origin and Spread of the False Claims
In recent weeks, a story has circulated on social media and some news outlets claiming that U.S. Marines engaged in shootouts with members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Texas. This sensational claim, however, is completely false and came from “Real Raw News,” a website known for publishing satirical and false content. The rapid spread of this misinformation emphasizes the critical importance of vigilant fact-checking in today’s fast-paced digital news environment.
While the claim about the US Marines is false, the Tren de Aragua gang has been a source of concern for Texas officials. Governor Greg Abbott has labeled the gang a “foreign terrorist organization.” This classification enables Texas authorities to prosecute the gang under anti-terrorism laws and form a dedicated task force to combat its activities.
DHS recently reported that Tren de Aragua is in 16 states across the US.
From my conversations with officials and local sources, Utah is the 17th.
EXCLUSIVE: Utah revealed as 17th state where TdA gang is active, terrorizing immigrant community: officialshttps://t.co/kP0unB2lmF
— Thomas Stevenson (@RealTStevenson) November 23, 2024
The Reality of Tren de Aragua’s Presence in the U.S.
While Tren de Aragua is a legitimate criminal organization with its roots in Venezuela, some reports exaggerate its influence and activities in the United States. The gang has expanded its operations into Central America and has been reported to be present in several US states, including Texas, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin. However, the scale and impact of this presence have been called into question by law enforcement officials and experts.
“The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true.” – Mike Coffman
This statement from Aurora, Colorado officials highlights the discrepancy between the perceived threat and the reality on the ground. It should be remembered that the Aurora council person first made the public aware about the activities of the Venezuelan gang at an apartment complex. To her the violence of this gang is very real.
Today, I announced that Texas is aggressively targeting the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
I also designated them as a foreign terrorist organization.
We are a law-and-order state, and we will defend Texas from this threat.
More: https://t.co/4zQk0FPxmb pic.twitter.com/EUrn0z3qlO
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) September 16, 2024
The Importance of Fact-Checking
The spread of the false claim that US Marines were fighting Tren de Aragua members serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in today’s media landscape. With the rapid spread of information via social media and other digital platforms, it is more important than ever for readers to verify information from credible sources before accepting or sharing it.
As we navigate an increasingly complex information environment, it is critical to rely on credible news sources, official law enforcement statements, and verified reports rather than sensationalized claims or unverified social media posts. By doing so, we can help combat the spread of misinformation and ensure that public discourse is founded on facts rather than fiction.
Sources:
- Debate Fact Check: Biden and Trump on the Economy, Immigration and Foreign Policy
- Texas officials declare Venezuelan gang a terrorist group, back Trump claims about migrants