INTERNACIONAL
WATCH: US intel’s take on TdA gang misses mark on ties to Maduro regime, ex-Venezuela army officer says
A former high-ranking officer in the Venezuelan military is contesting a recent report by the U.S. intelligence community about the massive Tren de Aragua gang present throughout the country.
Jose Arocha, who is a former lieutenant colonel in the Venezuelan military, told Fox News Digital that the recent intel community report denying Tren de Aragua is linked to the Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is missing a key aspect: the socialist regime’s animosity towards the United States and penchant for asymmetric warfare.
Tren de Aragua, also known simply as TdA, is a violent Venezuelan gang that has been terrorizing U.S. cities over the last several years. The group is linked to high-profile murders such as the killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley and the seizure of an entire apartment building in Aurora, Colorado.
As one of his first moves back in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump directed the State Department to designate TdA a «foreign terrorist organization.»
SUPREME COURT ALLOWS TRUMP ADMIN TO MOVE ON ENDING LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR SOME VENEZUELAN MIGRANTS
Jose Arocha, a former lieutenant colonel in the Venezuelan military (El Salvador Press Presidency Office/Anadolu via Getty Images and Center for a Secure Free Society)
Speaking with Fox News Digital via Zoom, Arocha, a national security expert at the Center for a Secure Free Society, said he agrees with the Trump administration’s moves against Tren de Aragua, which he believes is an «asymmetrical warfare» tool of the Maduro regime to sow discord in the United States and other countries in the Western Hemisphere.
«The Maduro regime doesn’t need to send troops to the USA. It sends criminals instead,» he said. «TdA is a plug-and-play insurgency – assembled in prison, deployed abroad.»
Arocha’s statements, however, contrast with a new public memo released by U.S. intelligence agencies last month that denied any solid connection between the Maduro government in Caracas and the gang.
«While Venezuela’s permissive environment enables TDA to operate, the Maduro regime probably does not have a policy of cooperating with TDA and is not directing TDA movement to and operations in the United States,» the report states.
The report says that the intelligence community based its conclusion «on Venezuelan law enforcement actions demonstrating the regime treats TDA as a threat; an uneasy mix of cooperation and confrontation rather than top-down directives [that] characterize the regime’s ties to other armed groups; and the decentralized makeup of TDA that would make such a relationship logistically challenging.»
Arocha, meanwhile, said that «the missing point here is that the intelligence report is too narrow a lens about the TdA.»
«It’s about crime and migration, but they’re missing the warfare dimension,» he said. «They are missing that for the Maduro regime, the United States is the enemy, has been the enemy for years.»
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President Nicolás Maduro (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
«The TdA is not a gang,» he went on. «It’s the enabler arm of the Venezuelan regime in the hybrid warfare strategy, the asymmetrical tour of war. That’s the missing point. And that is the point that explains how a local gang is right now in more than 10 countries, including the United States. That’s incredible, and that is not possible without a state sponsor behind them.»
While the report points to law enforcement actions the Maduro government has taken against TdA, Arocha explained that in reality Venezuelan prisons, including the «Tocorón» prison where the gang started, are more like resort hotels.
«Tocorón, [which] they said is the epicenter of the crime in Venezuela, it wasn’t a prison, it was a palace for organized crime. Full equipment, we have a zoo, nightclubs and even a pool for the prisoners there,» he said.
Arocha also posited that the 2023 raid the Venezuelan government conducted on Tocorón «appears choreographed» and that key TdA leadership was able to escape through pre-made tunnels.
«While the regime gained optics of cracking down on crime, TdA’s mobility remained intact,» Arocha told Fox News Digital.
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This image shows two Tren de Aragua gang members caught at the southern border. (U.S. Border Patrol)
The intel report admitted that the escaped TdA members were «possibly assisted by low-level Venezuelan military and political leaders.» But to Arocha, the connection goes straight to the top.
He pointed to the kidnapping and murder of Venezuelan political dissident Ronald Ojeda in Chile, which, according to Reuters, is being investigated by the Chilean government as a possible Tren de Aragua operation sponsored by the Maduro government.
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Reuters reported in March that Chilean Attorney General Angel Valencia said that Ojeda’s murder «doesn’t have the characteristics of a normal crime» and «all the evidence we have at this state of the investigation lets us conclude that a cell or group linked to the Tren de Aragua that was politically motivated that originated from an order of a political nature.»
The outlet also reported that the Venezuelan government denied the accusations as baseless.
Arocha further pointed to former Maduro Vice President Tareck El Aissami, who has alleged ties to Hamas and Hezbollah, as evidence that the Venezuelan government is embedded with America’s worst enemies.
VENEZUELAN ILLEGAL ALIEN, ALLEGED TREN DE ARAGUA LEADER IN CALIFORNIA, ARRESTED ON IMMIGRATION CHARGES
In this handout photo provided by the Salvadoran government, guards escort the inmates allegedly linked to criminal organizations at CECOT on March 16, 2025, in Tecoluca, El Salvador. (Salvadoran Government via Getty Images)
El Aissami was arrested on corruption charges and is currently in prison.
«He has a strong influence with Iran and China and Russia, too. Right now, he’s in prison, which means that he’s living in the palace in prison,» Arocha remarked, smiling.
«The Venezuelan regime is a proxy of Russia, China and Iran, especially China right now,» he went on. «They use Venezuela [to] create chaos in Latin America especially … not confronting directly the United States, but indirectly, using criminals, using disinformation, using every single tool they have.»
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In response, Arocha urged the Trump administration to continue to take a whole-of-government approach in combating TdA. He urged the administration to «increase our scope» by reaching out to Latin American countries with experience with TdA, such as the Chilean government.
«They have a knowledge right now about the TdA. We have to understand what they’ve learned about, and we have to put all the pieces together to have the big picture instead of the local one,» he said. «And then I’m very sure that we are going to realize the missing and the main link is in Caracas.»
Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
Immigration,Terrorism,Venezuelan Political Crisis,Narco-Terror,Foreign Policy,Latin America
INTERNACIONAL
House DOGE leader pushes tougher penalties for assaults on police K9s, horses amid anti-ICE violence
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Following violent incidents in Los Angeles and other cities targeting ICE officers – including assaults on K9s and mounted units – Rep. Aaron Bean introduced legislation to strengthen penalties for those who harm law enforcement animals and their handlers.
The news comes after the Department of Homeland Security released new data showing immigration officers collectively are experiencing a 690% increase in assaults against them, as such data tacitly includes animal officers.
«Our police dogs and horses serve on the front lines, protecting officers and communities alike,» Bean, R-Fla., who chairs the DOGE caucus, told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
«They deserve real protection, not just praise – and the ‘Leo K9 Protection Act’ will deliver tougher penalties against those who harm these heroic animals in the line of duty.»
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Rep. Aaron Bean and K9s on the Capitol lawn. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
The bill, announced late Tuesday at a ceremony outside the Capitol, implements sentences as high as 15 years – and is named for Marion County, Florida, Sheriff’s Deputy K9 Leo, who was killed in the line of duty.
In February, Leo and his handler responded to a report of battery-by-strangulation at a home in Silver Springs, outside Ocala.
When Leo charged the armed suspect, he was shot and died days later. The suspect was killed by return fire from human officers.
«Leo did exactly what he was trained to do, and that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies – to charge directly at danger,» Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told the Ocala News at the time.
Leo’s handler, Sgt. Justin Tortora, joined Bean and others on Tuesday, calling the K9 «more than a partner – he was family.»
«By supporting this bill, we can guarantee that federal working K9s receive the urgent care they deserve and help prevent more handlers from experiencing the heartbreak of losing their partners in the line of duty,» Tortora told Fox News Digital.
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Marion County, Florida, K9 Leo is remembered. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
Bean’s bill expands federal statutes protecting human officers to apply to local, state or federal police animals assisting federal agencies. It also directs the Department of Transportation to give a «safe harbor» exception to people rushing injured police animals for veterinary care.
During violent anti-ICE riots in California, at least two suspects were arrested for assaults on non-human police officers.
Dana Whitson of Oro Valley, Arizona, was charged in Los Angeles on several felony counts, including assault upon a peace officer and animal cruelty, after he allegedly assaulted a police horse.
Whitson allegedly shoved the horse and struck its muzzle in June, according to local reports.
Another man, Iran Castro of El Monte, California, was similarly charged for allegedly yanking the reins of police horses after police had given an order for the protesters to disperse, according to Los Angeles’ NBC affiliate.
Rep. Aaron Bean addresses K9 officers at the Capitol. (Office of Rep. Aaron Bean)
Debbie Johnson, founder of K9s United, which supports and advocates for police animals, celebrated the bill, calling its introduction a «defining moment in the fight to protect federal working K9s who defend our nation every day.»
«[This] is the result of years of tireless advocacy and we are proud to carry this mission forward. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Bean for standing with us to honor and protect our nation’s four-legged heroes,» she said.
INTERNACIONAL
Tribunal de la ONU abrió la puerta al pago de indemnizaciones a países afectados por el cambio climático
En una opinión consultiva que puede influir en la jurisprudencia global, la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ) dictaminó este miércoles que los Estados que violen sus obligaciones climáticas cometen un acto “ilícito” y pueden estar obligados a pagar indemnizaciones a los países más afectados por el calentamiento global.
El dictamen de la más alta instancia judicial de la ONU sobre las obligaciones legales de los países para frenar los efectos del cambio climático y la responsabilidad económica, generó una gran expectativa. Muchos expertos creen que la opinión de los magistrados puede marcar un punto de inflexión para litigios en todo el mundo.
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“Las consecuencias del cambio climático son graves y tienen un gran alcance: afectan tanto a los ecosistemas naturales como a las poblaciones humanas. Estas consecuencias ponen en relieve la amenaza urgente y existencial que supone el cambio climático”, declaró el presidente del tribunal, Yuji Iwasawa, al inicio de la audiencia en La Haya.
Cuáles son las conclusiones del fallo
El tribunal concluyó por unanimidad que la “violación” de las obligaciones climáticas por parte de un Estado constituye “un acto internacional ilícito”, susceptible de dar lugar a indemnizaciones a los países afectados, en determinadas condiciones y según cada caso.
“Las consecuencias jurídicas derivadas de la comisión de un acto internacional ilícito pueden incluir (…) la reparación íntegra del perjuicio sufrido por los Estados lesionados en forma de restitución, indemnización y satisfacción”, declaró el juez Iwasawa. La sequía es una de las manifestaciones del cambio climático. (Foto: AFP)
Sin embargo, los magistrados agregaron que debe establecerse una relación causal directa y cierta “entre el acto ilícito y el perjuicio”, lo cual, aunque difícil de demostrar ante un tribunal, “no es imposible”.
Este dictamen de 140 páginas es de carácter consultivo y no vinculante, pero al ser emitido por la máxima autoridad judicial de la ONU, establecerá una interpretación jurídica sólida para guiar futuras acciones o decisiones judiciales de todo el mundo, en términos de justicia climática.
“Un hito histórico para el clima”
El ministro de Cambio Climático de Vanuatu, Ralph Regenvanu, afirmó que esta decisión es “un hito histórico para el clima”.
“Es un cambio de rumbo muy importante en este momento tan crítico”, afirmó el ministro de este Estado insular, donde la movilización de activistas llegó hasta la Asamblea General de la ONU, que pidió a los 15 jueces del tribunal que se pronunciaran con respecto a dos preguntas:
- ¿Qué obligaciones tienen los Estados, en virtud del derecho internacional, de proteger la Tierra de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero generadas por la combustión de petróleo, gas y carbón para las generaciones presentes y futuras?
- ¿Cuáles son las consecuencias jurídicas de estas obligaciones cuando los Estados, por sus actos y omisiones, han causado daños significativos al sistema climático, en particular a los Estados insulares vulnerables de baja altitud?
La segunda pregunta se refiere a las responsabilidades de los Estados por los daños causados a países pequeños y más vulnerables y a sus poblaciones, en particular los amenazados por la subida del nivel del mar y las condiciones meteorológicas extremas en regiones como el océano Pacífico.
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“Con respecto a la obligación de prevenir daños significativos al medio ambiente, el Tribunal considera que también se aplica al sistema climático, que forma parte integrante y es un componente esencial del medio ambiente y que debe protegerse para las generaciones actuales y futuras”, afirmó el juez Iwasawa.
El magistrado agregó que “los efectos adversos del cambio climático podrían perjudicar significativamente el disfrute efectivo de ciertos derechos humanos, como el derecho a la salud”.
Una lucha entre países poderosos vs. naciones en desarrollo
Durante sus audiencias, en diciembre, el tribunal escuchó más de cien alegatos, un récord. Muchos procedían de Estados pequeños que comparecían ante el tribunal por primera vez.
Como si fueran David contra Goliat, el debate enfrentó a los pequeños países en desarrollo contra las economías avanzadas.
Los grandes países contaminantes, como Estados Unidos e India, argumentaron que el arsenal jurídico existente -la Convención Marco de Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (CMNUCC) y las COP anuales- era suficiente. Sin embargo, Estados Unidos, bajo la presidencia de Donald Trump, retiró su financiación de la CMNUCC y se desentendió de su pacto histórico, el Acuerdo Climático de París.
Los pequeños países reclaman a los contaminadores históricos que paguen compensaciones, una demanda inaceptable para los países más industrializados. También exigen un calendario para la eliminación de los combustibles fósiles y el reconocimiento de los errores del pasado.
(Con información de AFP)
Cambio climático
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Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening…
– Coast Guard overhaul takes off amid Trump administration’s immigration, narcotics crackdown
– ‘Big beautiful bill’ tax cuts touted in ad blitz as Senate GOP gears up for midterms
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified a report prepared by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence back in 2020… READ MORE.
Former President Barack Obama nominates John Brennan, to be CIA director during an event in the East Room at the White House on Jan. 7, 2013, in Washington, D.C. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
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Capitol Hill
‘QUIET PART OUT LOUD’: Immigrants needed for ‘redistricting purposes,’ House Dem admits in viral clip: ‘Quiet part out loud’
PASSING GRADE: Senate weathers Dem opposition, advances first government funding bill
CASHFLOW: WATCH: Lawmakers break down how billions in the ‘big, beautiful bill’ boost Trump’s immigration crackdown
JUDICIAL SHOWDOWN: Senate votes to consider former Trump lawyer for lifetime as appeals court judge
Emil Bove, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, is sworn in before testifying during his Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on June 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. A whistleblower alleged that Bove, President Trump’s former personal lawyer, told Justice Department staff to defy court orders and continue to carry out Trump’s deportation plans. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
‘POTENTIALLY BIASED’: Brennan directed publication of ‘implausible’ reports claiming Putin preferred Trump in 2016, House found
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MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: ‘Big beautiful bill’ tax cuts touted in ad blitz as Senate GOP gears up for midterms
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Across America
LEGAL LEGEND LOST: Roy Black, famed defense attorney for Rush Limbaugh and Jeffrey Epstein, dies after illustrious career
COURT ORDER: New Jersey’s ban on privately operated ICE detention centers struck down by court
CRACKING DOWN: Trump’s immigration enforcement push results in skyrocketing arrests of criminal illegal aliens
‘PROHIBITS SPEECH’: Federal judge partially blocks law banning adults from helping minors get out-of-state abortions
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti leaves a press conference discussing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision that upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender transition treatments for transgender minors at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (The Tennessean )
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‘CULTURE OF SHAME’: NYC council member sounds alarm over Mamdani voters falling for ‘pipe dream’
‘DEADLY FORCE’: ICE chief warns AI technology could lead to safety risks for agents: ‘Fringe organizations’
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