Texas Senator Ted Cruz has made a bold commitment to address the ongoing crisis of illegal immigration and the threat posed by violent criminals crossing the southern border. In a recent statement to Newsweek, Cruz declared, “Starting on January 20, we will secure the border. Catch and release ends on January 20. If you’re an illegal alien—whether you’re a murderer, a rapist, a child molester, or a member of a foreign gang—you’re out. And this will happen fast. We’re going to see a dramatic drop in illegal immigration, and it’s going to happen immediately.”
Cruz’s remarks reflect his unwavering stance on securing America’s borders and ensuring that violent criminals who enter the country illegally are swiftly removed. This is especially important as gangs like the notorious Venezuelan-based Tren de Aragua (TdA) continue to wreak havoc across the United States. TdA has been linked to brutal crimes such as murder, sex trafficking, and assaults in multiple states, including a high-profile raid in Colorado in August 2024.
The crackdown on TdA came after a successful multi-agency operation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the NYPD in December 2024, where several gang members were arrested in New York City. Cruz highlighted these disturbing developments as part of the broader immigration crisis exacerbated by President Biden’s lax border policies, which he blames for allowing violent criminals to infiltrate the country.
Senator Cruz, who has long been an advocate for strict immigration enforcement, voiced his support for President-elect Donald Trump’s tough-on-crime, tough-on-immigration agenda. At a Turning Point USA rally in Phoenix, Cruz reiterated Trump’s promise to restore border security, lower taxes, protect American families, and hold criminal aliens accountable. “One month from today, President Trump will secure the border. We’re bringing back jobs, lowering prices, and keeping American families safe,” Cruz declared.
Rep. Troy Nehls, a Texas Republican, has also been vocal about the growing threat from TdA and other criminal elements crossing the border. He has repeatedly warned the Biden Administration about the dangers posed by these gangs, which are now active in nearly 20 states, including his home state of Texas.
With just weeks until President Trump returns to the White House, Cruz and other conservatives are optimistic about the direction the country will take under a renewed administration committed to enforcing immigration laws and putting American citizens first. Cruz, along with Trump, is determined to ensure that illegal immigration, especially by violent criminals and gang members, is no longer tolerated. On Day 1 of his second term, Trump promises to end catch-and-release, terminate the CBP One app, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and begin what could be the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. The message is clear: the days of letting violent criminals walk free are over.