Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott announced the arrest of four members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The arrests occurred as these individuals attempted to illegally cross into Texas on New Year’s Eve.

"Our top priority is the safety and security of Texans, including against the growing threat of Tren de Aragua," stated Governor Abbott. He further emphasized, "Earlier this week, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers identified and arrested four vicious TdA gang members attempting to illegally cross the border from Mexico into the state. I designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization, and we will not tolerate this gang operating or gaining a foothold in Texas."

The arrests took place on December 31, 2024, in Val Verde County during Operation Lone Star. DPS troopers encountered a group of 22 illegal immigrants from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. Among them, 11 were arrested for criminal trespass while family groups were referred to Border Patrol for processing.

Among those arrested were nine Venezuelan nationals who claimed they intended to travel to San Antonio, Irving, and Corsicana in Texas. DPS Special Agents interviewed them and suspected four males might be affiliated with TdA based on their tattoos. A search of their cell phones confirmed their gang membership through social media apps.

The identified TdA members are Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39; Pedro Luis Salazar-Cuervo, 27; Antonio Joe Urruttia-Rojas, 18; and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18. Ocando-Mejia's tattoos suggested he might hold a leadership position within the gang.

In September, Governor Abbott initiated a statewide operation targeting TdA to disrupt their activities in Texas. He also designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization and instructed DPS to classify them as a Tier 1 gang. A special task force was created to identify and apprehend TdA members.

Governor Abbott's Public Safety Office is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected TdA members involved in criminal activities.