The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) apprehended four confirmed members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang as they attempted to cross the Texas border illegally on December 31, 2024. The arrests were part of Operation Lone Star, a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing border security.
DPS troopers encountered a group of 22 migrants from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela in Val Verde County. Eleven individuals were arrested for criminal trespass, while family groups were referred to Border Patrol for processing. Among those detained, nine Venezuelan nationals claimed they were heading to destinations within Texas, including San Antonio, Irving, and Corsicana. Following interviews and examinations of tattoos, DPS Special Agents suspected four individuals of being members of the violent TdA gang. Upon obtaining consent to search their cell phones, agents confirmed their gang affiliation through social media platforms.
These arrests come in the wake of Governor Greg Abbott’s September directive designating TdA as a foreign terrorist organization. As part of a comprehensive operation to combat the gang’s influence in Texas, the Governor instructed DPS to elevate TdA to Tier 1 gang status and establish a dedicated Strike Team to disrupt their criminal activities. Additionally, the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected TdA members involved in criminal activity. Texans are encouraged to report any TdA-related activity to assist in the ongoing efforts to secure the state. This latest development underscores the state’s commitment to protecting Texans from the growing threat posed by Tren de Aragua.
The arrested gang members 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 bore tattoos suggesting a possible leadership role within the organization.
