The US Customs and Border Patrol apprehended a suspect affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang during a traffic stop near Detroit on Wednesday.
This incident occurred in Shelby Township when officers noticed a vehicle with a fraudulent license plate. The CBP disclosed that all three occupants of the car were illegally residing in the United States, including Manuel Zavala Lopez, a Venezuelan national linked to the Tren de Aragua gang. He reportedly entered the country in May 2023 and was released under DHS protocols.
The Tren de Aragua gang, alongside MS-13, was designated as a foreign terrorist organization during President Donald Trump’s second term, and some members have faced incarceration in El Salvador’s Terrorist Confinement Centre.
“Zavala Lopez is a repeat offender who has traversed the United States committing violent acts. He has a warrant for failing to appear in Denver, Colorado on felony assault charges,” an official stated.
“Our vigilant law enforcement agencies have successfully removed him from the streets, ensuring he can’t inflict harm on American citizens,” the statement continued.
The arrest signifies the second apprehension of gang members affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations this month, underscoring the persistent efforts of law enforcement to rid communities of such threats, as noted by Morris.
The 30-year-old suspect, not formally appointed but identified by his agency, faced previous charges for violent robbery, weapons violations, and immigration offenses.
“The capture of this Tren de Aragua gang member, who poses a substantial risk to public safety, illustrates our department’s commitment to protecting our community by removing dangerous individuals who might otherwise roam the streets of Shelby Township,” authorities stated.
Meanwhile, traffic stops have been pivotal in immigration enforcement, often leading to the seizure of drugs and arrests. Earlier this month, two Salvadoran individuals were also detained by CBP in Detroit, according to an announcement made on July 10.
Border Patrol agents responded to a request for assistance during an “interrogation” at a motel in Sterling Heights, where one suspect claimed affiliation with MS-13. He mentioned having committed murder in Central America two decades prior.
Interestingly, it has been reported that the Venezuelan suspect allegedly attempted to attack a federal agent during his arrest.
In a related context, a notable development occurred in March when seventeen members of the Tren de Aragua gang along with MS-13 affiliates were deported to El Salvador.
This recent arrest has been lauded as a significant achievement for the safety of the Detroit community, with officials emphasizing the importance of teamwork in eradicating violent criminals from the region.
