President Trump has promised decisive action against the violent Venezuelan migrant gang “Tren de Aragua” once he assumes office. Recent reports from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers and Border Patrol Agents reveal the apprehension of gang members and convicted criminals attempting to illegally enter the country in recent weeks.
Tren de Aragua Member Arrest & Trump’s Promised Gang Crackdown:
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A suspected Tren de Aragua gang member was apprehended at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas. The individual had a history of multiple felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, theft, reckless driving, and DUI.
President-Elect Trump’s “Border Czar,” Tom Homan, announced that the Trump Administration will take swift action against the gang upon taking office:
“Operation Aurora is official! President Trump has announced a new mass deportation initiative based in Aurora, Colorado. Local officials have been preparing for the operation, which is expected to launch on Day One. This action is in direct response to Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang members taking over numerous apartments in the city!” — Tom Homan, Trump’s “Border Czar.”
MS-13 Gang Member Arrests:
CBP officers at the Port of Buffalo, New York, apprehended a 24-year-old Honduran man, identified as a member of the MS-13 gang, on November 22, 2024. The man, Franklyn Hernandez Giron, was attempting to enter the U.S. illegally and is now facing removal proceedings.
On the same day, San Diego Sector Border Patrol Agents arrested a 32-year-old Salvadoran man who was a confirmed MS-13 gang member. The man falsely claimed to be from Mexico and is currently detained for expedited removal to El Salvador.
Additionally, the Chief of the Border Patrol reported the apprehension of an MS-13 gang member in Laredo, along with “a wanted felon with a violent past” and “convicted drug and firearm offenders” in Arizona and California over the weekend.
Convicted Criminal and Sinaloa Cartel Member Also Arrested:
In Casa Grande, Arizona, Border Patrol Agents arrested Eduardo Gonzalez, a previously deported Mexican citizen and convicted felon, who is now wanted for homicide in North Carolina. He has been handed over to local authorities for extradition.
Meanwhile, in Rio Grande City, Texas, Border Patrol Agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector apprehended a confirmed Sinaloa Cartel member from Mexico.
In 2023, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested 73,822 noncitizens with criminal histories, including 33,209 assault charges, 4,390 sex-related offenses, 7,520 weapons offenses, 1,713 homicide charges, and 1,655 kidnapping offenses.