Exclusive: A bipartisan group of lawmakers has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Nix Chile’s status on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) amid the risk of major gang robbery.
California’s Young Kim, Derek Tran, Dave Minh and Mike Levin sent letters to DHS calling for Chile to be taken from the list.
“The VWP is concerned that most of Chile, known as “robbery tourism,” is continuing to be exploited by South American Theft Group (SATG), which is derived from Chile.
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The yacht cruised through the Port of Newport, California, passing through the Ferris wheels in the Balboa Fun Zone and the panoramic views of the snowy San Gabriel Mountain on March 2, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“In addition to impacting the family community, SATG continues to sacrifice businesses and entrepreneurs in Orange County, putting a burden on local police stations, already suffering from lack of resources and staffing deficits.” The letter continued.
“In 2024, there were 59 home robbers suspected of having SATGS committed in the Orange County Sheriff’s Southeast Patrol area. Given the threat to public safety, we believe we must take immediate action.”
The practice of “robbery tourism” has become a relatively common event in communities across the country, including wealthy areas such as Orange County, California and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Even top athletes such as Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelles and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Barrow have become victims of the theft.
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R-Calif Rep. Young Kim, lined up with Rep. Kevin McCarthy on the left and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer on the left, speaks during a roundtable discussion on June 16, 2023 about the ongoing status of the visa waiver program in Santa Ana, California. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register, Getty Images)
Previous letters were sent by Rep. Kim, Levin and D-Calif, calling on the Biden administration to take similar actions in June 2023. SATGS warned that stolen goods may be sold online and money may be washed through Chinese crime syndicates.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer asked Chile to lose his visa waiver program privileges last month on “Fox & Friends.”
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Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer will speak at a press conference at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Santa Ana, California on August 24, 2023. (Mark RightMire/Medianews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
“All other South American countries that have participated in the past have been kicked out of programs to send criminals to the United States,” Spitzer said at the time.
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“These Chileans have been here for years,” he said. “They’re going to Orlando, Florida, where Disney World is. They’re coming to Orange County, California, where Disneyland is. And they’re not here to visit the happiest place on the planet.
South American gangs, including the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua, are under scrutiny under the Trump administration.
DHS did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.
