Texas State Sen. authors bill to curtail gang activity

Texas Sen. John Carona authors bill to curtail gang activity

12:00 AM CST on Friday, March 6, 2009
By CHRISTY HOPPE / The Dallas Morning News
choppe@dallasnews.com

AUSTIN – A bill targeting international gangs was introduced Thursday as state lawmakers expressed concern over Mexican drug cartels recruiting and operating in Texas cities.

Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, said he authored the bill in response to gang activity that has disrupted neighborhoods and increased violence by groups such as the Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, Barrio Azteca and MS-13.

"These gangs are the primary conduit for illegal drugs and human trafficking coming into the United States, and for cash, stolen cars and guns going the other direction," he said.

The proposal would make it illegal to use the Internet to recruit or promote gang activity and would allow lawsuits seeking monetary awards and seizure of property to be filed against gang members.

Carona said such provisions already have proven effective in Los Angeles.

Gov. Rick Perry and police chiefs from throughout the state appeared with Carona in support of the bill.

Perry also has requested the Legislature provide $135 million over the next two years to continue border security activities.

"We are sending a message to let these violent gangs know that they are not welcome here in Texas and that we will do whatever it takes to drive them out," Perry said.



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What a ridiculous waste of time. What we need is troops on the border and a huge round up of all the illegal aliens in Texas.