Homeland Security officials in Texas have successfully arrested two Venezuelan nationals who are members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a bloodthirsty gang with operations across the United States.
San Antonio Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced in a release Friday that special agents arrested two Venezuelan nationals in San Antonio during an anti-gang enforcement operation on Sept. 19.
The agency said it had received information that these individuals were suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to illegally transport firearms.
After their arrest, both men were transferred to ICE custody based on immigration violations, according to HSI. San Antonio Police and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) were also involved in the arrest.
Texas offers reward for information on members of Torren de Aragua spreading 'terrorism and genocide,' says Governor Abbott
These images are from a CBP intelligence bulletin and show Torren de Aragua (TdA) tattoos and identifiers. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected TdA members. (ice)
TdA is a violent street gang whose origins are believed to be: venezuela prison And in the last 10 years, it has moved north.
Suspected Torren de Aragua gang member from Aurora, Colorado released on $1,000 bail
But its reputation in the United States has grown this year, in part due to a number of high-profile crimes linked to the gang, many of whom are believed to have arrived across the southern border as part of a surge in migrants. are. recent years.
According to the El Paso County, Texas, District Attorney's Office, Torren de Aragua gang members allegedly engaged in illegal activities including illegal dumping and drug use. (KFOX14/El Paso County Attorney's Office)
The gang has recently made headlines in Aurora, Colorado, where there have been numerous arrests and reports that the gang has taken over entire apartment buildings, prompting local authorities to push back.
Torren de Aragua gang member arrested on suspicion of occupying apartment building in Aurora, Colorado: Police
The arrests of two gang members in San Antonio come as Gov. Greg Abbott declared the gang a “foreign terrorist organization” last week and announced the state is taking a more aggressive approach to targeting its members. I woke up after that.
“Tren de Aragua is spread terrorism “There has been genocide in every country they have ever visited, and Texas will not allow them to gain a foothold in our state,” Abbott said in a statement. We will not allow the United States to use our state as a base for terrorist activities.” People. ”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announces the future of the state's space industry. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)
Mr Abbott directed DPS to elevate the gang to a Tier 1 gang and create a TdA Strike Team to identify and arrest members.
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Tipsters can provide information to authorities through the Texas Department of Public Safety website by calling 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.
