San Antonio, Texas – Last week, Texas law enforcement, in collaboration with Homeland Security, successfully arrested a 27-year-old Venezuelan man suspected of being part of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. The arrest took place in San Antonio and marked a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat criminal activity linked to the international gang.

The suspect was apprehended on charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon. This arrest underscores the commitment of local and federal agencies to ensure the safety of communities across the state.

Homeland Security’s Response

Craig Larrabee, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio, praised the collaborative efforts of his team and local law enforcement in a press release:

“The successful arrest of a member of the Tren de Aragua gang in San Antonio was made possible through the resolute efforts of HSI and our dedicated local law enforcement partners. This arrest highlights our steadfast dedication to the safety of our communities and the relentless pursuit of justice.”

The Tren de Aragua, an international criminal network originating in Venezuela, is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crimes. With operations expanding across borders, their presence in the U.S. has raised significant security concerns.

Governor Abbott’s Warning

Texas Governor Greg Abbott had earlier expressed concerns about terrorists and gang members crossing the southern border during an interview with Fox News. Abbott emphasized the need for stronger border security measures to address the growing threat posed by international criminal organizations.

Abbott’s warnings echo the sentiments of many local and federal officials who view the border as a critical front in the fight against organized crime.

Local Law Enforcement’s Statement

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement to clarify their involvement in the operation. According to News 4 San Antonio, the department stated:

“Although we have been made aware that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has carried out immigration-related enforcement actions, we have not received any specific information regarding their operations within Bexar County.”

This indicates that the operation was primarily led by federal agencies, highlighting the strategic coordination between Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and local authorities.

Border Patrol Chief’s Determined Stance

Tom Holman, the Chief of Border Patrol, spoke strongly during a Fox News interview regarding the actions taken against Tren de Aragua members. Holman stated:

“I will not rest until every TDA (Tren de Aragua) member is in prison or in Gitmo.”

This bold declaration reinforces the resolve of federal agencies to dismantle the operations of criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua, which threaten the security of communities along the border and beyond.

Public Encouraged to Stay Vigilant

ICE has urged the public to report any suspicious criminal activities. Tips can be shared confidentially through their 24/7 hotline at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. Public cooperation is seen as a key element in identifying and apprehending members of dangerous organizations operating within the U.S.

The Bigger Picture

The arrest of a Tren de Aragua gang member in Texas serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by international criminal networks operating within the country. Federal and state agencies are working tirelessly to identify and dismantle these organizations to ensure public safety.

As the border remains a focal point in the fight against organized crime, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies. The arrest in San Antonio is not just an isolated victory but a step forward in the ongoing battle to secure communities and uphold justice.

Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.