On Monday, Texas officials labeled the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a “foreign terrorist group” and supported Donald Trump’s assertion that many migrants entering the U.S. were released from Latin American prisons.

Tren de Aragua, an international criminal organization, is known for its involvement in extortion, murder, drug trafficking, and human smuggling across Latin America. Due to Venezuela’s political and economic turmoil, many Venezuelans are permitted to enter the U.S. and seek asylum.

Texas border official Mike Banks claimed that Venezuela has been releasing prisoners with the condition that they leave the country and not return, accusing the Biden administration of encouraging this migration through what he described as an open border policy.

In contrast, immigration advocates argue that the Biden administration has implemented strict border controls and restrictive policies for those seeking asylum.

At a press conference alongside Banks, Governor Greg Abbott officially designated Tren de Aragua as a “foreign terrorist organization,” enabling enhanced counter-terrorism measures and the formation of a dedicated task force to combat the gang. This action follows Trump’s recent debate claims that Vice President Kamala Harris allowed millions of undocumented immigrants to enter the U.S. after being released from prisons or mental health facilities.