Sen. Sampson Statement on Venezuelan Super Gang’s Criminal Tentacles Spreading Into CT

Sen. Rob Sampson issued the following statement regarding the news that notorious Venezuelan super gang Tren de Aragua’s criminal tentacles have spread into Connecticut.

“Connecticut is making international news again – for all the wrong reasons.

Seven months ago, I highlighted the state’s reporting of an influx of unexpected illegal immigrants across Connecticut and the serious public safety threats from unfettered mass illegal immigration.

Well, Stamford, Connecticut is now in the headlines because of this cold-blooded murder.

The number one obligation of government is the safety of its citizens. Connecticut Democrats have passed policies which invite crime and more abuse of our system. These policies also disenfranchise genuine asylum-seekers, and other immigrants looking to lawfully achieve the American Dream.

I am in favor of increasing border security for the purpose of protecting our citizens and having a mechanism to make sure we are keeping out drug dealers, gang members, and terrorists while allowing those we have screened to pass.

I am also in favor of expanding lawful immigration into our country with the condition that those that are allowed to enter will benefit our society. Most of us are the descendants of legal immigrants. There is no question that lawful immigration has benefited our society and culture. Just imagine how many more we could accommodate if illegal entries were prevented, and how many senseless killings or tragedies can be avoided by preventing those with bad intentions from entering our country?

Illegal immigration impacts policies in states across the country, including right here in Connecticut. The Stamford murder is a prime example.

Let me remind voters that here in Connecticut, Democrats passed a law which greatly restricts local police and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from talking to each other. Law enforcement’s hands have been tied even in the face of this high threat level and multiple warnings from federal officials. How does that make our communities safer?

It is crucial to recognize that crimes carrying a prison sentence of one year or more are considered deportable offenses under federal law. Shockingly, the majority party’s actions actively shield these violent criminal immigrants from deportation, undermining the very essence of our justice system. Democrats changed sentences to 364 days instead of one year (365 days) all for the purpose of protecting criminal aliens.

The bottom line?

Illegal immigration and the border are top issues for Connecticut voters of all party affiliations. The border is not just a national issue. Democrats have made Connecticut a magnet for illegal immigration by protecting even criminal aliens and making us a ‘super’ sanctuary state.

If you want change, vote for Republicans who will make our state and country safer and more secure.”