VAL VERDE COUNTY, Texas – Four men believed to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang were arrested for attempting to cross the border into Texas illegally on New Year’s Eve, according to a press release from Governor Greg Abbott’s Office.
Segundo Ocando-Mejia, 39, Pedro Luis Salazar Cuervo, 27, Antonio Joe Urruttia, 18, and Levi Jesus Urrutia-Blanco, 18, are charged with criminal trespass, the release said.
Troopers with the Department of Public Safety encountered 22 immigrants on New Year’s Eve from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela.
Eleven of the immigrants were arrested for criminal trespass, the release said.
Among the immigrants arrested, nine Venezuelans told DPS agents that they were trying to reach various locations in Texas, including San Antonio, Irving, and Corsicana.
DPS agents believed four of the Venezuelan men arrested were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, according to Abbott’s office. After searching through their cellphones, authorities found more evidence that suggested affiliation with the gang.
Tattoos on Ocando-Mejia’s shoulders indicated that he may have a leadership role within Tren de Aragua, the release stated.