DPS apprehends Tren de Aragua gang members attempting to enter Texas illegally
Texas – The State of Texas is ramping up efforts to combat the growing threat of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, a violent criminal organization originating in Venezuela. On December 31, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), under Operation Lone Star, arrested four confirmed members of TdA attempting to illegally cross the border into Texas. This significant development underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring public safety and combating gang activity.
A Coordinated Operation on New Year’s Eve
DPS troopers in Val Verde County intercepted a group of 22 illegal immigrants from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela on New Year’s Eve. Among them, 11 individuals were arrested for criminal trespass, while family groups were referred to Border Patrol for processing. During the operation, nine Venezuelan nationals claimed they were traveling to San Antonio, Irving, and Corsicana, Texas.
DPS Special Agents, upon interviewing the group, suspected four men of being members of the TdA gang based on their tattoos and social media activity found on their cell phones. The four confirmed members arrested were identified as Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39; Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, 27; Antonio Joe Urruttia-Rojas, 18; and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18. Notably, Ocando-Mejia displayed tattoos suggesting he might hold a leadership position within the gang.
A Statewide Crackdown on Tren de Aragua
In September 2024, Governor Greg Abbott launched an aggressive statewide initiative to dismantle TdA’s operations in Texas. This initiative included designating TdA as a foreign terrorist organization and elevating the gang to Tier 1 status within the state’s anti-gang hierarchy. Additionally, Governor Abbott directed DPS to establish a TdA Strike Team tasked with identifying and apprehending members of the gang.
“Earlier this week, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers identified and arrested four vicious TdA gang members attempting to illegally cross the border from Mexico into the state,” said Governor Abbott. “We will not tolerate this gang operating or gaining a foothold in Texas.”
Governor Abbott emphasized that these actions are necessary to protect Texans and prevent TdA from expanding its influence in the state. He further reiterated his commitment to border security, stating, “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.”
Public Involvement and Rewards
As part of its comprehensive strategy, the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected TdA members involved in criminal activity. This initiative encourages Texans to report any suspicious activity to aid law enforcement in disrupting the gang’s operations.
Strengthening Border Security
This New Year’s Eve operation reflects Texas’s broader commitment to border security and the safety of its residents. By targeting organized crime at the border, Texas aims to reduce the influx of violent gang members and ensure the protection of its communities. Governor Abbott’s administration continues to prioritize the identification and arrest of individuals affiliated with TdA and similar criminal organizations.
Texans with information about TdA activities are urged to contribute to these efforts by contacting the appropriate authorities. Further details about reporting gang activity and accessing rewards can be found through the Governor’s Public Safety Office.
