The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested four confirmed members of the violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) Gang as they attempted to illegally cross the border into Texas on New Year’s Eve.
On December 31, 2024, DPS troopers working on Operation Lone Star in Val Verde County encountered a group of 22 illegal immigrants from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Eleven were arrested for criminal trespass. Family groups that made up half of those apprehended were turned over to the US Border Patrol.
Texas DPS Troopers are encountering large groups of migrants like this one near Eagle Pass on Dec. 31, 2024.Photo byTexas Department of Public Safety
Among those arrested for criminal trespass, a group of nine Venezuelans claimed they were heading to San Antonio, Irving, and Corsicana, Texas, and were interviewed by DPS Special Agents. Based on their interviews as well as their tattoos, Special Agents suspected four of the males may have been TdA members and upon receiving consent to search their cell phones were able to verify their gang affiliation through social media apps.