(LibertySociety.com) – The capture of four Tren de Aragua gang members by Texas law enforcement highlights the state’s commitment to thwart illegal immigration and defend against international crime.
At a Glance
- Four Tren de Aragua gang members arrested at the Texas border.
- Greg Abbott announces the arrests as part of Operation Lone Star.
- Gang affiliations exposed using cell phone data.
- Texas law enforcement prioritizes protection against international gangs.
Gang Members Captured at Border
On New Year’s Eve, four members of the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, were apprehended as they attempted an illegal entry into Texas. This operation was part of Texas’s intensified anti-immigration efforts under Operation Lone Star, led by Governor Greg Abbott. The vigilant Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified and detained the gang members, preventing potential criminal activities from taking root in the state.
DPS troopers discovered the gang members among a group of 22 individuals from various Latin American countries in Val Verde County. Further investigation revealed that the four Venezuelans had connections to Tren de Aragua through data found on their mobile devices. This swift action demonstrated Texas’s firm stance against foreign criminal organizations.
Texas DPS troopers arrested 4 confirmed Tren de Aragua members who attempted to illegally cross the border on New Year’s Eve.
Texas will continue to hunt down TdA & put them behind bars.
More: https://t.co/b5Y9xPe5Um pic.twitter.com/qQ8G7ybMqR
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 3, 2025
Governor Abbott’s Statement
Governor Greg Abbott declared, “Four confirmed members of a violent Venezuelan gang were arrested after attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas on New Year’s Eve.” His announcement underscored the seriousness with which Texas addresses threats from declared terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua.
Abbott’s designation of the gang as a foreign terrorist organization allows state forces to target their operations aggressively. Since this declaration, numerous arrests have been made, including a recent raid in San Antonio, demonstrating the state’s proactive approach to tackling gang-related threats.
NEW: 4 confirmed Tren de Aragua members were in a group encountered by Texas DPS Troopers on New Year’s Eve after they crossed into Eagle Pass—The #TdA affiliation was confirmed by @TxDPS special agents.@GovAbbott said today, “Our top priority is the safety and security of… pic.twitter.com/nW2wt1qdkg
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 3, 2025
Continued Vigilance Against Crime
Detectives suspect that Segundo Ocando-Mejia, one of the arrested individuals, may hold a leadership position within the gang due to notable tattoos. His capture is particularly relevant as it suggests a potential chain of command within the gang’s border penetration strategy.
This operation is among many efforts by Texas law enforcement to combat the spread of the gang’s influence within the United States. The Tren de Aragua, originating from Venezuelan prison systems in the early 2000s, has expanded its transnational criminal network, posing serious risks to communities. Texas’s aggressive actions highlight the ongoing need for vigilance in addressing illegal immigration and criminal enterprises.
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