Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge DHS to Remove Chile from Visa Waiver Program Over Crime Concerns

A bipartisan group of California lawmakers has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strip Chile of its participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) amid growing concerns about "burglary tourism" and the exploitation of the program by South American Theft Groups (SATGs). In a letter sent to DHS, Reps. Young Kim, Derek Tran, Dave Min, and Mike Levin expressed their alarm over the rising number of residential and commercial burglaries linked to individuals entering the U.S. under the VWP. These lawmakers argue that Chile’s continued participation in the program poses a significant threat to public safety, particularly in regions like Orange County, California, where SATGs have been linked to dozens of crimes.

The letter highlights the growing trend of "burglary tourism," where individuals from South American countries, predominantly Chile, travel to the U.S. under the VWP with the sole intention of committing crimes before returning to their home countries. The lawmakers warn that these groups are not only targeting affluent neighborhoods but also small businesses, placing an undue burden on local law enforcement agencies that are already struggling with limited resources and staffing shortages. For instance, in 2024 alone, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported 59 suspected burglaries linked to SATGs in the Southeast Patrol Area. The lawmakers emphasize that immediate action is necessary to address this issue and protect American communities.

"Burglary Tourism" Becomes a Growing Concern Across the U.S.

The phenomenon of "burglary tourism" has become increasingly prevalent in the United States, with wealthy areas like Orange County, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, being prime targets for these criminal groups. These SATGs often use the VWP to gain entry into the country, as it allows citizens of participating nations to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. Once inside, they exploit this privilege to carry out burglaries, often targeting high-end homes and businesses. The stolen goods are then sold online or used to launder money through criminal networks, including Chinese syndicates.

This issue has even affected high-profile individuals, such as NFL stars Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, who have both fallen victim to these theft groups. Their experiences highlight how pervasive and brazen these crimes have become, with SATGs showing no regard for the law or the well-being of their victims. The targeting of prominent figures underscores the audacity of these criminal operations and the urgent need for stronger measures to combat them.

Lawmakers and Authorities Sound the Alarm

This is not the first time lawmakers have raised concerns about the exploitation of the VWP by SATGs. In June 2023, Reps. Kim, Levin, and Lou Correa sent a similar letter to the Biden administration, urging action to address the growing threat posed by these criminal groups. The lawmakers warned that SATGs are not only engaging in burglaries but also using the proceeds of their crimes to fund larger criminal enterprises, including money laundering schemes involving Chinese syndicates.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has also been vocal about the issue, calling for Chile to be removed from the VWP during an appearance on "FOX & Friends." Spitzer pointed out that other South American countries have been kicked out of the program for similar reasons and that Chile should face the same consequences. He emphasized that these groups are not visiting the U.S. as tourists but rather as criminal operatives, targeting areas like Orlando, Florida, and Orange County, California, where they take advantage of the VWP’s lenient entry requirements to commit crimes.

Historical Context and Broader Implications

The issue of SATGs exploiting the VWP has been a topic of concern for several years, with previous administrations also grappling with the problem. Under the Trump administration, certain South American gangs, such as the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua, were placed under heightened scrutiny, with some being designated as foreign terrorist organizations. These designations underscore the seriousness of the threat posed by these groups and the need for a comprehensive approach to address their activities.

However, despite these efforts, the problem persists, and the lawmakers argue that removing Chile from the VWP is a necessary step to prevent further exploitation of the program. They emphasize that this is not a permanent exclusion but rather a measure to ensure that Chile takes concrete steps to address the issue and prevent its citizens from abusing the program. Until then, the lawmakers argue that the safety and security of American communities must take precedence.

A Call to Action for DHS

As the situation continues to escalate, the lawmakers are urging DHS to take immediate action to protect American citizens and businesses from the threat posed by SATGs. They stress that the VWP was designed to facilitate travel for legitimate purposes, not to serve as a loophole for criminal enterprises. By removing Chile from the program, the U.S. can send a clear message that the exploitation of the VWP will not be tolerated and that the safety of American communities is a top priority.

The lawmakers also highlight the broader implications of inaction, warning that failing to address this issue could embolden other criminal groups and lead to further victimization of innocent Americans. They argue that the VWP must be used responsibly and that the inclusion of any country in the program must be contingent on its ability and willingness to prevent the abuse of the system.

In conclusion, the lawmakers’ call to remove Chile from the VWP is a urgent appeal to safeguard American communities from the growing threat of "burglary tourism" and the criminal networks that exploit the program. It remains to be seen how DHS will respond to this request, but one thing is clear: the safety and security of the American people must remain the top priority in addressing this issue.