Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the arrest of four members of the Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang, a group officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the state in September 2024. The arrests, carried out by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), underscore the state’s intensified efforts to combat the gang’s influence and illegal border crossings.
The arrests took place on Christmas Eve during a routine encounter in Val Verde County, where DPS intercepted 22 individuals suspected of crossing the border illegally. Eleven were detained for criminal trespassing, while the remaining individuals, including family units, were handed over to U.S. Border Patrol for processing. Following interviews and phone searches, DPS identified four of the detainees as Venezuelan nationals linked to TDA.
The individuals arrested were Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39, Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, 27, Antonio Joe Urruttia-Rojas, 18, and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18. Governor Abbott noted that Ocando-Mejia bore tattoos suggesting a potential leadership role within the gang.
“TDA is a dangerous, transnational criminal organization that preys on the vulnerable and spreads violence across borders,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas will not allow them to establish a foothold in our state.”
A History of Violence
TDA, originally based in Venezuela, is notorious for extortion, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. The group gained U.S. attention after its connection to the brutal murder of 22-year-old Augusta University student Laken Riley. Riley’s killer, Venezuelan national Jose Ibarra, was found guilty of the crime in November and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The designation of TDA as a foreign terrorist organization by Texas marked a significant escalation in the state’s response to gang activity. The classification enables law enforcement to impose harsher penalties on individuals associated with the group and provides additional resources to combat its operations.
Bolstered Border Security
Governor Abbott has made border security a cornerstone of his administration, citing the need to prevent criminal organizations like TDA from exploiting illegal crossings. In recent years, Texas has increased funding for DPS operations, deployed National Guard troops to the border, and established Operation Lone Star to deter smuggling and trafficking.
While Abbott’s measures have drawn criticism from some advocacy groups, he maintains that the state’s actions are necessary to safeguard Texans from gang violence and illegal activity.
“The arrest of these gang members sends a clear message: Texas is no safe haven for criminals,” Abbott said.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these efforts, the presence of TDA and other criminal organizations continues to pose challenges for law enforcement. Transnational gangs often exploit the porous U.S.-Mexico border, using it as a gateway for illicit activities. Analysts warn that while arrests like those in Val Verde County are significant, sustained efforts and federal cooperation are crucial to dismantling these networks.
Texas officials have called on the federal government to classify TDA as a terrorist organization nationally, which would unlock additional tools for prosecution and disruption.
