EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Four members of the reputed Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) were arrested while attemping to cross illegally into Texas on Dec. 31, Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Friday, Jan. 3.
According to the news release by Gov. Abbott’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) working on Operation Lone Star in Val Verde County encountered a group of 22 migrants.
Of the 22 migrants, 11 were arrested for criminal trespass and the family groups were referred to Border Patrol for processing, Abbott’s office said.
Nine Venezuelan nationals were interviewed by DPS special agents and the agents suspected four males to be TdA members, according to the news release.
According to Abbott’s office, agents received consent to search the men’s cell phones and were able to verify their gang affiliation through social media apps.
The confirmed TdA gang members arrested on New Year’s Eve were: Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39; Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, 27; Antonio Joe Urruttia-Rojas, 18; and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18. Ocando-Mejia had tattoos on his shoulders indicating he may hold rank or leadership within the gang, Abbott’s Office said.
“Governor Abbott announced that his Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected members of TdA gang members who have been or are involved in criminal activity. Learn more on how to report TdA activity here,” Abbott’s Office said.
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