El Paso Hotel Shut Down Over Gang Activity

The Gateway Hotel in El Paso has been temporarily closed following a court injunction due to allegations of housing members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which is linked to increased criminal activity in the area. The El Paso County Attorney's Office reported that the hotel has been operating without a valid certificate of occupancy for six years and has failed multiple fire inspections. Police have responded to 693 calls regarding illegal activities, including drug use, violence, and prostitution, with video evidence showing alarming behavior in front of security personnel. The hotel environment has deteriorated, with reports of gang members frequenting the premises and engaging in violent acts. A hearing is scheduled for December 9 to evaluate the hotel's future and its owner's potential complicity in these activities. The situation reflects broader concerns about the gang's expanding influence across the U.S.