Federal and state authorities in Texas are focusing their efforts on combating the rise of a violent Venezuelan migrant gang in the Lone Star State. According to the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, his agents have successfully apprehended 70 members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, with the most recent arrest taking place in El Paso last week.
“Tren de Aragua is known for murder, drug trafficking, sex crimes, extortion, & other violent acts.” – U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently made an announcement regarding the arrest of two members of the Tren de Aragua gang. These individuals were apprehended by DPS Special Agents during a routine traffic stop in San Antonio. The San Antonio Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also played a role in this operation. Following their arrest, the two gang members, who are of Venezuelan origin, were transported to a federal detention center.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has reported that there is a significant increase in TdA activity occurring throughout the state. This is evident from the map below, which showcases only a small portion of the documented gang activity as recorded by the DPS.
Last week, DPS Special Agents assigned to the San Antonio TAG arrested not one, but two Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang members during a traffic stop in San Antonio. The San Antonio Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were also involved. The two men were… pic.twitter.com/JPitubX35L
— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) September 25, 2024
The Border Patrol and Texas DPS have made these arrests following Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement last week about the initiation of a statewide operation to target the Venezuelan gang.
“If [Tren de Aragua] is unchecked, it will just expand terror and carnage that TdA imposes in whatever country they’ve been in. That’s why Texas stepped up to be the first state in the United States to say that Tren de Aragua is not going to be not only unwelcome here, but we will be seeking them, we will find them, and we will put them behind bars.” –Texas Governor Greg Abbott
The Governor’s Public Safety Office is providing a reward of up to $5,000 for valuable information that leads to the identification and apprehension of known or suspected individuals associated with the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). These individuals have been involved in criminal activities and pose a growing threat to the safety of Texans.
To qualify for the cash rewards, individuals must provide authorities with information using one of the following methods:
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- Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Submit a tip online through the Texas Department of Public Safety
Tips can be submitted anonymously, and tipsters will receive a tip number instead of using their name. The law guarantees the anonymity of callers, and there is a possibility of earning up to $5,000. It is important to note that fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous, and it is advised that Texans should not attempt to apprehend them.
“Texas will not let these thugs use our state as a base of operations to terrorize our citizens. With the public’s help, combined with the hard work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will capture these dangerous gang members and put them behind bars for good.” –Texas Governor Greg Abbott
