SAN ANTONIO – Four Tren de Aragua gang members were arrested after a gang bust by multiple local, state, and federal agencies on Saturday, according to San Antonio police chief William McManus.
Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan gang that began in a prison in the state of Aragua and has now spread to the United States, which includes Texas, New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
SAPD held a press conference just after 11 a.m. Saturday after clearing nearly 300 apartment units in a complex on the 10300 block of Sahara Drive.
The apartment complex is around the same area where KSAT reported earlier this week that the fire union was telling its firefighter and paramedic members to “watch your six.”
McManus said in the press conference that complaints were made regarding human trafficking, narcotic violations, and threats to apartment employees at the apartment complex.
A total of 19 people were arrested, including one gang enforcer and four Tren de Aragua gang members, McManus said.
“We assure the community and members of the public that we are committed to their safety, and we are on top of this TDA issue that has seems to have become very public lately,” McManus said.
McManus said the apartment complex was the first place SAPD had executed a Tren de Aragua gang bust, but authorities are planning to go to other locations of Venezuelan gang-affiliated operations.
“We’re on to you, we’re coming for you, and we know where you are,” McManus said.
McManus said most of the Tren de Aragua gang members are known to wear red and can be identified by specific gang tattoos.
McManus said there is no threat to the public at this time.
SAPD, the Texas anti-gang unit, the Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are investigating this case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
KSAT will update you as more information becomes available.
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