Law enforcement officials in San Antonio, Texas conducted a raid on Saturday that resulted in 20 people arrestedFour of them have been identified as members of the Venezuelan gang Torren de Aragua.
Over the past year, TDA has rapidly expanded its transnational criminal organization into parts of the United States: Colorado, Chicago, and New York. In Aurora, Colorado, gang members took over several apartment complexes, Blaze News previously reported.
“We're heading to you, and we're coming to pick you up.”
TDA members reportedly took over the Palatia Apartments complex in San Antonio. Authorities admitted that the gang “controlled” the property and used it as a base for many crimes.
According to WOAI-TVTDA has been involved in prostitution, cocaine sales, and violent crimes.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said law enforcement officers conducted the weekend raid after receiving multiple complaints of drug violations, human trafficking and threats against staff at the complex.
McManus told reporters The sweep was conducted Saturday by a task force comprised of personnel from SAPD, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the FBI, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security.
“We have received information that members of the transnational gang Torren de Aragua control the area and are committing various crimes,” McManus said.
Officers cleared about 300 vacant apartments in the complex and arrested 20 people. One of the TDA gang members arrested was “a recognized enforcer for that gang,” McManus said.
“Currently, 19 people have been arrested and 15 people are in custody,” he said, referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention request.
The identified TDA members were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and ICE removal operations.
McManus added: “These were individuals with confirmed warrants. Multiple individuals had already received removal orders through HSI.”
He said the investigation is still ongoing.
TDA has been working in the area for “several months,” McManus said.
The department said there are other locations it plans to investigate as part of its ongoing efforts to crack down on gang influence.
Mr McManus said: “I want to assure the community and the public that we are committed to their safety and that we are fully committed to addressing this TDA issue that seems to have become very public recently.'' “I will.”
“We are after you and we are coming for you. We know where you are,” he said, referring comments to the TDA.
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