Governor Greg Abbott has announced that on New Year’s Eve, four individuals who were suspected to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang were apprehended while trying to cross the border into Texas.
Texas DPS troopers in Val Verde County observed a group of 22 individuals trying to illegally cross the Texas-Mexico border.
A total of 11 individuals were taken into custody on charges of criminal trespass. In cases involving family groups, they were subsequently referred to the Border Patrol for further processing.
“Texas Puts Up Billboards in Mexico, Central America to Warn Migrants About Trip to U.S.”
Texas authorities are taking a proactive approach to address the issue of illegal border crossings by putting up billboards in Mexico and Central America.
These billboards serve as a warning to potential migrants about the dangers and risks involved in making the journey to the United States.
The billboards aim to provide crucial information to those considering crossing the border illegally. They highlight the perils of the journey, such as extreme weather conditions, human trafficking, and the risk of getting lost in the vast and treacherous terrain.
By displaying these messages in prominent locations, Texas hopes to deter individuals from embarking on such a perilous journey.
The decision to use billboards as a form of communication is strategic. It allows authorities to reach a wide audience and effectively convey a message of caution.
By targeting areas in Mexico and Central America, where many potential migrants originate from, Texas aims to dissuade individuals from attempting the dangerous journey.
This initiative comes as part of a broader effort by Texas to address the ongoing border crisis.
By raising awareness about the risks involved in crossing the border illegally, the state aims to discourage individuals from attempting to enter the United States through unauthorized means.
The billboards serve as a reminder that crossing the border illegally is not only against the law but also poses significant risks to individuals’ safety and well-being.
Texas hopes that by providing this information, potential migrants will reconsider their decision and seek legal avenues for immigration instead.
Overall, the billboards in Mexico and Central America serve as a powerful tool to educate and deter potential migrants from embarking on a dangerous journey.
Texas believes that by effectively communicating the risks involved, it can help protect individuals and combat the issue of illegal border crossings.
Nine Venezuelan nationals were among the 11 individuals who were arrested, stating that they were planning to travel to San Antonio, Irving, and Corsicana.
Four of the men were believed to be members of the gang Tren de Aragua, based on interviews and their tattoos, according to agents.
Investigators have confirmed the men’s gang affiliation by examining their cell phones and verifying their social media apps.
Authorities apprehended four individuals in connection with the case: Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39, Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, 27, Antonio Joe Urruttia-Rojas, 18, and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18.
According to the governor’s office, Ocando-Mejia possesses tattoos that could potentially suggest his involvement in a leadership or high-ranking position within the gang.
Tren de Aragua
The Backstory: Over the past few months, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has set his sights on Tren de Aragua.
The governor has officially designated the Venezuelan gang as a foreign terrorist organization.
Texas has created a TdA strike team with the purpose of apprehending gang members within the state.
The Public Safety Office has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for anyone who can provide information that leads to the identification and arrest of known or suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang involved in criminal activities.
In 2018, Tren De Aragua, a criminal organization involved in smuggling migrants, emerged from a Venezuelan prison and expanded its operations across various South American nations, as reported by InSight Crime, a nonprofit dedicated to monitoring organized crime.
Dozens of individuals believed to be members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang have been apprehended by law enforcement in Texas.
