The previous administration has been criticized for releasing members of the Tren de Aragua gang into American communities. Two such cases have recently surfaced. Jeferson Daniel Escalona Hernandez, a 19-year-old from Venezuela, entered the United States illegally on March 27, 2024. After being released into the country, he was arrested for felony evading arrest and detained at a jail in Denton County. An immigration judge has since ordered his removal from the U.S., and he is currently in ICE custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, awaiting deportation.
Meanwhile, Diover Millan Leon, a 24-year-old Venezuelan and also a member of the Tren de Aragua, entered the U.S. illegally under unknown circumstances. He was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol near Brownsville, Texas on May 3, 2023, and released after processing. ICE officers later arrested him in Lawrenceville, Georgia on March 12, 2025. He was then transferred to the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Texas, where he remains as his immigration proceedings continue.
Commenting on these events, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized Reuters for their portrayal of the gang members. "This is more irresponsible, lazy reporting by Reuters. Why do they continue to peddle the sob stories of these gang members but ignore their American victims?"
Tricia McLaughlin elaborated on the gang's reputation, stating, "Tren De Aragua is one of the most violent and ruthless terrorist gangs on planet earth. They rape, maim, and murder for sport. The previous administration released these gang members into our communities. President Trump and Secretary Noem have ended catch and release and will not allow criminal gangs to terrorize American citizens."
The mention of the release of these gang members has sparked debate over immigration policies and their implementation.
