January 1, Texas Hotel Faces Closure After 693 Police Calls Tied to Gang Activity

A Texas hotel faces the threat of closure after a staggering 693 police calls within just two years, all tied to suspected illegal and gang-related activities, according to legal documents.

The El Paso County Attorney’s Office has issued both temporary and permanent injunctions to cease operations at the Gateway Hotel, due to “habitual criminal activity.”

“The large volume of calls for service to a single business and State’s analysis of police reports show that the Gateway has habitual criminal activity that violates the CPRC, and additional crimes that contributes to the overall blight this business brings to downtown El Paso,” states the El Paso County Attorney’s complaint.

Recent reports reveal disturbing connections to the transnational Tren de Aragua gang. As recently as August 23, police noted the presence of gang members linked to Venezuela, with one individual observed with a Tren de Aragua tattoo.

Complaints against the hotel also include allegations of prostitution, drug use, gang activity, and illegal dumping. Operating without a valid certificate of occupancy since 2018, the Gateway Hotel is described by one Yelp reviewer as “an incredibly filthy, drug, and bug-infested, fire-trap!” The building, dating back to 1903, has failed multiple fire inspections, the most recent being in July.

An incident on June 16, 2024, highlighted the appalling condition inside the hotel. A video from an aggravated assault case depicts over 50 people partying on the 3rd floor, engaging in provocative behavior while children were present. The video even shows firearms, knives, and a hatchet being used during the mayhem, all taking place under the indifference of a security guard.

The alarming trend of Tren de Aragua’s criminal takeovers is not limited to El Paso. Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert recently drew attention to similar activities in Aurora, Colorado. “The Fake News media and liberal politicians want Americans to believe this crisis isn’t real, but the gang’s activity is not isolated to just Colorado and they are committing crimes in other states including Texas and New York,” Boebert stated.

Tren de Aragua, a dangerous gang from Venezuela with around 5,000 members, is renowned for illegal drug dealing, sex trafficking, and illegal firearms possession. Many gang members in the U.S. are illegal aliens.

“I am thankful to our law enforcement for overseeing this successful operation. Every day, Tren de Aragua gains more ground in our country, and El Paso is clearly on the market for this dangerous gang,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “That’s why I have pushed hard to designate TDA as a transnational criminal organization and provide more tools to security agencies so they can shut down their operations.”

Congressman Chip Roy also expressed his concerns: “The fact DPS & the local El Paso authorities had to shut down a hotel over Venezuelan gang activity tells you how pervasive the problem is.”

Residents, including families, seniors, veterans, and children, are now required to evacuate the hotel by September 12, 2024, a matter highlighted by Christina Sanchez, El Paso County Attorney.

The Gateway Hotel’s owner, Howard Yun, did not respond to requests for comment.

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