LANSING, Mich (Michigan News Source) – While violent Venezuelan gangs like Tren de Aragua terrorize communities from Chicago to Colorado, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel appears to have other priorities – disarming law-abiding citizens.

Joining a coalition of 19 Democratic attorneys general, Nessel recently filed an amicus brief supporting Cook County, Illinois’ strict assault weapon ban which is in the court system on appeal, arguing it’s all in the name of public safety.

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Ironically, this is happening as armed gang members are boldly rampaging through U.S. streets and apartment buildings, exploiting the very laws designed to curb gun violence. Gun control legislation allows these alleged criminals land terrorists to be armed as they wish but leaves law-abiding citizens powerless to defend themselves in the same manner against what they see as an armed foreign invasion.

Nessel’s recent statement about her position on the lawsuit says, “The amici states’ brief argues that Cook County’s law properly promotes the safety and wellbeing of its residents, and that various Courts have concluded that reasonable gun regulations can comfortably coexist with the Second Amendment, as assault weapons are not commonly used for self-defense and, further, the ban on their sale and possession is consistent with the principles underpinning our nation’s history of firearms regulation.”

Saving lives or political theater?

Nessel insists her stance is about saving lives, touting gun control as a “common-sense approach” to public safety. Yet, the timing feels more like political grandstanding during a dangerous time for law- abiding citizens in the country as crime continues to rise.

In Cook County, Illinois, Tren de Aragua members, notorious for brutal crimes, are linked to over 100 criminal cases involving drugs, weapons, and violence says NBC Chicago. But instead of cracking down on gang activity, the focus by Democratic lawmakers continues to remain squarely on restricting access to firearms for everyday Americans.

If Nessel and her political allies get their way as they push for more gun restrictions, many say that law-abiding citizens will be left defenseless against the surge of crimes, including the gang violence that is reportedly sweeping the nation. Critics of regulating “assault weapons” say that because criminals don’t obey the laws, any gun ownership restrictions would result in an unfair fight for Americans just trying to protect themselves.

Ignoring the real threats.

As Nessel fights to uphold Cook County’s ban, Venezuelan gang members are being promptly released after being arrested – on minimal bonds, free to continue their reign of terror. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are being lectured about the dangers of owning an AR-15.

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According to the Daily Mail, two suspected Tren de Aragua gang members arrested in July for attempted murder at an apartment building in Aurora, Colorado that was reportedly overtaken by the gang are no longer in jail, having posted $1,000 bond on their charges.

As criminals like the Tren de Aragua gang members ignore the gun laws and reportedly unleash death and destruction on the country, Nessel argues in a statement, “Firearm sale and safety regulations save lives, and state and local governments all have a role to play in public safety. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting common-sense approaches to address this ongoing crisis.”

From Colorado to Chicago, the rise of Tren de Aragua demonstrates a chilling disregard for border security, laws, and lives. But for Nessel and her fellow gun control advocates, it appears easier for them to legislate against the rights of Americans than to confront a growing international crime syndicate and the crisis of illegal immigration. The message? If you’re a criminal, Illinois welcomes you; if you’re a gun-owning citizen, YOU are the real problem.