Mike LaSusa

Mike LaSusa, Deputy Director of Content at InSight Crime, dives into the rise of the Tren de Aragua gang from a Venezuelan prison to a transnational threat. He discusses how U.S. immigration policies have spotlighted the gang, impacting innocent Venezuelans caught in the chaos. The conversation reveals the gang's fragmented nature, with individuals exploiting its name for personal gain. LaSusa also highlights the struggles law enforcement faces in identifying members, and the political ramifications that affect vulnerable communities.

Mike LaSusa, Deputy Director of Content at InSight Crime and expert on organized crime, sheds light on America's evolving War on Drugs, particularly its recent adoption of War on Terror tactics. He discusses the legality and morality of a drone strike in Venezuela that killed 11 alleged terrorists, unpacking the implications for U.S. drug interdiction methods. LaSusa critiques labels like 'narco-terrorist,' the sustainability of violent approaches, and the challenges of addressing addiction as a public health concern in a system rife with contradictions.