State Reps. Jamie Thompson, of Brownstown, and Rylee Linting, of Grosse Ile, today issued the following statement after the announced apprehension of an illegal immigrant and member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua by U.S. Border Patrol’s Detroit Sector. Chief Patrol Agent John R. Morris announced via social media that Gibraltar agents, working with local law enforcement, made the arrest on Wednesday:

“We are incredibly thankful for our local law enforcement and border patrol agents for keeping our communities and families safe.

“Announcements like these hit incredibly close to home. We realize the immense problem illegal immigration poses every day to our country, and that gang members and people with lengthy criminal histories are sometimes embedded in the places we call home. Even though some in Lansing have been pushing for it, this individual doesn’t need a driver’s license or Michigan ID card. He needs to be deported.

“We must continue to confront these dangers going forward and work to enforce our immigration laws. We also must work tirelessly in the Legislature to support law enforcement and provide them with the resources they need to protect and serve. For many people we all represent, public safety is paramount.”