McALLEN, Texas — Four suspected members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan-based criminal organization, were arrested on New Year’s Eve in Val Verde County near Del Rio, Texas, according to Governor Greg Abbott. The arrests were part of an encounter involving 22 undocumented migrants by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
DPS reported that 11 of the 22 migrants were arrested for criminal trespass, with family groups referred to U.S. Border Patrol for processing. Nine of those arrested were from Venezuela, and law enforcement identified four as Tren de Aragua members based on tattoos and cellphone evidence linking them to the gang.
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’s tattoos suggest he may hold a leadership position within the organization.
Abbott emphasized the state’s commitment to combating the gang, which he designated as a foreign terrorist organization in September. This designation imposes heightened penalties on anyone aiding the gang’s activities. The governor also announced a $5,000 reward for tips leading to the identification and arrest of Tren de Aragua members.
The public can report information anonymously through the following channels:
- Texas Crime Stoppers Hotline: 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Online Tips: Via the Texas Department of Public Safety website.
