DOJ Probes Classified Intel Leak To New York Times Challenging Deportation Of Venezuelan Gang Members

 On March 21, the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated a criminal investigation into a leak of classified intelligence about the Tren de Aragua gang. This leak undermines President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts targeting the gang, which is labeled as a foreign terrorist organization.

• Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the investigation into the “selective leak of inaccurate, but nevertheless classified” information.

• The leak challenges Trump’s claim that Tren de Aragua members are "alien enemies" collaborating with the Venezuelan government, based on a classified document dated February 26.

• The DOJ characterized the leak as a politically motivated effort by the "Deep State" to impede Trump’s immigration agenda.

• Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to allow the immediate arrest and deportation of gang members without traditional due process, while facing legal challenges.

• The New York Times reported that analysts have moderate confidence that Tren de Aragua is not acting under Venezuelan government direction, disputing Trump’s claims.

• In response to the investigation, the New York Times defended its reporting, emphasizing the importance of a free press in holding the government accountable.

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported the arrest of 68 Tren de Aragua members within a week, attributing this to Trump’s designation of the gang as a terrorist organization.

• Recent DOJ efforts have led to the arrest of 394 suspected gang members, associated with serious crimes including human trafficking and murder.

• The FBI is expanding its counterterrorism focus to include transnational criminal organizations, enhancing the federal government's capacity to combat violent crime.

The DOJ is actively investigating a classified intelligence leak related to the Tren de Aragua gang, which highlights ongoing tensions between federal enforcement agencies and the political context surrounding immigration policy. The case emphasizes the critical role of the press and the serious nature of law enforcement's approach to gang-related violence in the U. S.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/doj-probes-classified-intel-leak-to-new-york-times-challenging-deportation-of-venezuelan-gang-members-5829705?ea_src=frontpage&ea_cnt=a&ea_med=lead-story-0-title-0