The State of Texas has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected members of the dangerous Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).
Governor Abbott last week designated the gang a “foreign terrorist organization” and announced that the state would take a more aggressive approach to targeting its members.
Suspected Tren de Aragua gang member from Aurora, Colorado, released on $1,000 bail
A group of alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang took over an apartment in Aurora, Colorado, and demanded rent in exchange for “protection.” (Edward Romero)
“Tren de Aragua has spread terror and carnage in every country they visit, and Texas will not allow them to establish a foothold in our state,” Governor Abbott said in a statement. “Texas will not allow these thugs to use our state as a base of operations to terrorize our citizens.”
Tipsters can provide information to authorities via the Texas Department of Public Safety's website or by calling 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
Tren de Aragua is based primarily in Venezuela, with approximately 5,000 members in South America and the United States.
Governor Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to elevate the gang to a Tier 1 gang and create TdA Strike Teams to identify and arrest members.
Police say members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been arrested in Aurora, Colorado, in connection with an apartment takeover.
These images from a CBP intelligence bulletin show Tren De Aragua's tattoos and identifying information: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected TdA members. (ice)
Venezuelan immigrants with ties to the gang are suspected of committing crimes across the United States, including murder, drug trafficking, sex crimes and extortion, and some have entered the country illegally and been arrested and released by border authorities.
In San Antonio, authorities recently arrested Abel Gabriel Silla Vargas, a suspected gang-affiliated arms trafficker who is in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The four members are Arrests in AuroraColorado Armed members of the Tren de Aragua group reportedly took over an apartment building in Aurora near the Nome Street Apartments after a shooting.
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In Wisconsin, another TdA member was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a mother and abusing her daughter after being arrested and released in Minneapolis earlier this year.
U.S. Border Patrol agents in El Paso, Texas, recently arrested members of TdA, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason O'Nes said Monday.
