A Venezuelan national’s arrest in Houston signals a crucial win in the U.S. campaign against the Tren de Aragua gang’s expansion. The arrest of the gang member was completed in cooperation with various law enforcement agencies. The governor of Texas has committed a $5,000 reward. Other members of the gang were recently arrested.
Arrest Spotlights Gang’s U.S. Expansion
Jorgenys Robertson Cova, aged 32 and a Venezuelan national, was apprehended in Houston by the Texas Department of Public Safety Special Agents. CovaHis arrest on October 7th was a coordinated effort between Houston Police and other agencies. That same day Cova was scheduled to have an asylum hearing.
The Tren de Aragua gang has roots in Venezuela, engaging in operations like drug and sex Now counting 5,000 members across the country, authorities are stepping up efforts to dismantle their network. Cova’s arrest follows a recent multi-agency operation that detained four additional gang members in San Antonio.
Texas DPS captured a dangerous Tren de Aragua gang member in Houston.
We will continue to go after this vicious gang and put them behind bars.
Texas is hostile territory for TdA. https://t.co/Svd4L7JOcV
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 9, 2024
Operation Targets Criminal Network
Governor Greg Abbott has bolstered efforts to combat the Tren de Aragua’s influence in Texas, labeling the group a terrorist organization. His administration has launched a ‘comprehensive, statewide operation that will aggressively target’ the gang. This operation seeks to ‘disrupt their criminal operations and deny their foothold’ across the state. In a continued effort to annihilate the threat posed by this organization, a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for credible information leading to arrests.
Description of the gang members’ modus operandi includes identifiable tattoos linked to the Tren de Aragua, such as a five-point crown, clock, and roses on Cova. Additionally, Cova was wanted in Pearland, Texas, for theft before his arrest and is being held in the Brazoria County Jail without incident.
NEW: DPS Captures Tren de Aragua Gang Member in Houston
A confirmed Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member is now in custody following his arrest on Monday, Oct. 7, by @TxDPS Special Agents in Houston.
Working in collaboration with the Houston Police Department and U.S. Immigration… pic.twitter.com/RqVhWdKvuj
— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) October 8, 2024
U.S. Sanctions and Ongoing Measures
U.S. commitment toward sanctions placed on the Tren de Aragua gang in July underscores their plan to counteract the gang’s influence. Tren is widely known to handle human trafficking, drugs, and other crimes. The work ongoing in Texas is a reminder to other states to not loosen their focus on the Venezuelan gang.
The dissemination of a map detailing suspected Tren de Aragua activities in Texas, including areas near Houston, Dallas, and El Paso, highlights the intensity of the threat. Homeland Security Investigations and local law enforcement agencies remain committed to this ongoing enforcement effort.
