EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — On New Year’s Eve, four confirmed members of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were arrested as they attempted to illegally cross the Texas border. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the apprehensions, stressing the need to prioritize the safety and security of Texans from this growing threat.
According to Abbott, the arrests took place on December 31, 2024, when Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers were conducting operations near Val Verde County. During this operation, they encountered a group of 22 undocumented migrants from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Of this group, 11 individuals were arrested on charges of criminal trespass, with family groups directed to U.S. Border Patrol for processing.
The confirmed members of Tren de Aragua were identified as Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39; Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, 27; Antonio Joe Urruttia-Rojas, 18; and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18. Governor Abbott noted, “Our top priority is the safety and security of Texans, including against the growing threat of Tren de Aragua.” He emphasized the state's commitment to combating gang activity, stating, “I designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization, and we will not tolerate this gang operating or gaining a foothold in Texas.”
The DPS’s investigations indicated suspicions about four men possibly being gang affiliates based on interviews and the tattoos they displayed. Following their consent, DPS agents searched their cell phones which verified their affiliations to the gang through social media apps. Abbott pointed out how such proactive measures contribute to the larger efforts to maintain public safety.
Notably, Ocando-Mejia's tattoos suggested he may hold rank or leadership within the Tren de Aragua gang, which raised alarm about the potential for organized criminal activity spreading within Texas. Abbott, reflecting on the longstanding issues of border security and crime linked to gang operations, remarked, “Until President Trump is back in the White House to secure our border, Texas will continue to hunt down dangerous criminals like TdA and put them behind bars to protect Texans from this vicious gang.”
The battle against the Tren de Aragua gang has intensified, particularly since Abbott's statewide proclamation last September, which declared the gang as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation allows for more stringent law enforcement measures to be employed against their activities. Texas has established the TdA Strike Team to focus on apprehending gang members, enhancing surveillance, and seeking public assistance.
Under this initiative, the Texas Public Safety Office has announced rewards of up to $5,000 for anyone providing information leading to the identification and arrest of suspected Tren de Aragua members. Abbott indicated, “With the public’s help, combined with the hard work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will capture these dangerous gang members and put them behind bars for good.” Individuals can report tips to the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline, with options for anonymous submissions.
The stakes are high; Texas law enforcement has ramped up its efforts to curb the influence of Tren de Aragua following alarming incidents. Reports have linked the gang not only to drug trafficking but also to violent crimes and murders across the state, causing panic among residents. The group's origins trace back to Venezuelan prisons where it was initially formed, but over the years, it has expanded its reach across South America.
On the same day of the arrests, several media outlets noted the growing concern surrounding the gang, with local leaders calling for continued vigilance. The need to safeguard Texas communities from the dangers posed by organized crime has never been more urgent.
This latest arrest on New Year’s Eve serves as both a victory for Texas law enforcement and as a reminder of the broader issues surrounding immigration and gang activity at the southern border. Abbott's administration is positioning itself as tough on crime, especially from foreign gangs operating within the state.
Abbott concluded his remarks by reitering the state's zero-tolerance policy for gangs like Tren de Aragua, urging Texans to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.