El Paso public defender speaks out about migrant riot accusations

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- Hundreds of migrants were arrested and accused of cutting razor wire and rushing national guard members in March and April of this year. Recently officials have accused migrants involved in those riots of being suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua.

Kelli Childress Diaz, El County Chief Public Defender, represents 141 of the migrants accused of being involved with the riots. She says none of her clients are members of Tren De Aragua.

"I get all the evidence in the cases, I get everything that the state is in possession of, everything that the police are in possession of. They're required to turn it over to me as a defense attorney. And I have never once seen any credible allegation, let alone any proof that anyone who has come through El Paso as a migrant from Venezuela has been identified as a member of the gang," Childress Diaz said.

Childress Diaz says it's irresponsible and dangerous to make these accusations with no evidence. She says this could lead to innocent Venezuelans being targeted.

Childress Diaz added there were reports of Tren De Aragua gang members having tattoos symbolizing their gang affiliation but that is not a common trait of South American and Central American cartels. She says U.S. gangs use tattoos, colors or hand gestures and proudly show they are gang members.However, Venezuelan gangs tend to not publicly display gang affiliation

"Their operations would be targeted if they were known. And it's easier to fly under the radar and accomplish the business of the criminal organization," " Childress Diaz said.

She says accusations like these tarnished the reputation of EL Paso and its unfortunate because El Paso is a beautiful city with so much to offer.