SAN ANTONIO — We’re learning more about the Venezuelan street gang that’s landed in the cross hairs of Texas law enforcement.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the gang Tren de Aragua a foreign terrorist organization.
“The worst of the worst,” Abbott said of the gang.
Earlier this month, Abbott announced strike teams and thousands of dollars in rewards for information leading to the identification and arrest of members of Tren de Aragua.
Leaders in law enforcement say they’re trying to deny the transnational gang any foothold in Texas.
“What we know from this organization is that it is very well run, kind of like a corporation,” said retired Homeland Security Agent Ari Jimenez.
Jimenez has seen the gang explode in major cities across the country. He says this criminal enterprise usually starts with crimes that fly below the radar, including organized theft and sexual exploitation.
“Next is going to be weapon-involved crimes,” Jimenez said. “It’s gonna be a murder for hire. It’s going to be a shoot out. And, before you know it, they own and control the criminal element in the city.”
Intelligence documents obtained by the I-Team show self-proclaimed members, and those bearing the gang’s distinctive tattoos featuring a nautical compass, an eye, a rose and a clock face have been arrested around the city’s Migrant Resource Center for crimes like theft, human trafficking and possession of fake government documents.
Some, including higher profile members, had been previously arrested entering the country illegally and were subsequently released by border authorities.
Back in March for example, authorities arrested Aderbis Segundo Pirela Pirela in New Braunfels. Sources say the 29-year-old was on Colombia and Interpol’s most wanted lists in connection with murders, drug trafficking and extortion.
Pirela was affiliated with the Satanas Gang, which the intelligence group InSight crime has said is an affiliate of Tren de Aragua.
According to HSI, Pirela first entered the country unlawfully in January and was arrested in El Paso and released on his own recognizance. It was later learned he was a wanted man who was considered extremely dangerous.
Jimenez notes the vast majority of people entering the country aren’t like Pirela, but it’s that one percent of people in his estimation – he says should concern people most.
“It’s that one percent that we have no biometrics, no criminal history, we have no fingerprints, we have no iris scan, we don’t know who they are,” Jimenez said.
The Texas Anti-Gang Unit’s gang activity map indicates the group is still conducting operations right here in San Antonio, and has made arrests of members in San Antonio as recently as this week.
Those with any information about the gang should call the Texas Crime Stoppers Hotline, or submit a tip online through the DPS website.