Review of: Texas Authorities Arrest Key Member of International Criminal Gang Tren de Aragua

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Texas authorities arrest Jorgenys Robertson Cova, a key member of the international criminal gang Tren de Aragua, in Houston, highlighting the growing challenge of transnational crime in the United States.

At a Glance

  • Jorgenys Robertson Cova, a 32-year-old Venezuelan national and confirmed Tren de Aragua gang member, was arrested in Houston
  • Cova, in the U.S. illegally, was scheduled for an asylum hearing on the day of his arrest
  • The arrest was a joint effort by Texas DPS, Houston Police, and ICE
  • Tren de Aragua is known for drug and sex trafficking, with an estimated 5,000 members between the U.S. and Venezuela
  • Governor Abbott’s office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to arrests of Tren de Aragua members

Arrest of Tren de Aragua Gang Member in Houston

On October 7, 2024, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents, in collaboration with the Houston Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arrested Jorgenys Robertson Cova in Houston. Cova, a 32-year-old Venezuelan national, was identified as a suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang in late September.

Cova, who was in the United States illegally, was scheduled for an asylum hearing in Houston on the day of his arrest. He was wanted in Pearland, Texas, for theft and had tattoos associated with TdA, including a five-point crown and a clock with roses. The arrest was made without incident, and Cova was booked into the Brazoria County Jail.

Tren de Aragua: A Growing Threat

Tren de Aragua is an international criminal organization originating in Venezuela, with an estimated 5,000 members between the U.S. and Venezuela. The gang is known for its involvement in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, sex trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, contract killings, smuggling, and organized retail theft across Latin America.

“The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested two members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) in San Antonio last week, according to a news release.” – Source

The arrest of Cova is part of a larger effort by Texas authorities to combat the growing presence of TdA in the state. A map shared by officials shows suspected and documented TdA activity across Texas, including areas near Houston, Dallas, El Paso, Piedras Negras, and Cleburne.

Crackdown on Tren de Aragua in Texas

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched a statewide operation targeting the gang, which he has labeled a terrorist organization. The governor’s office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of TdA members involved in criminal activities.

“comprehensive, statewide operation that will aggressively target” – Source

In addition to Cova’s arrest, Texas authorities have made several other arrests of suspected TdA members. On October 5, four members of the gang were apprehended in a multi-agency operation on Sahara Street in San Antonio. The arrested individuals, all Venezuelan citizens with confirmed ties to the gang, are Angel Josue Guerra-Sanguino, Yonaiker Velasco, Jean Carlos Hidalgo-Oviedo, and Yorbis Rafael Osorio Carmona.

Federal Response and Ongoing Efforts

The U.S. government has also taken action against Tren de Aragua. In July, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the gang, recognizing its significant role in transnational organized crime. The arrests and ongoing operations in Texas are part of a broader effort to disrupt the gang’s activities and prevent its further expansion within the United States.

“disrupt their criminal operations and deny their foothold” – Source

As authorities continue their crackdown on Tren de Aragua, the arrest of Jorgenys Robertson Cova serves as a significant development in the ongoing battle against transnational criminal organizations. The collaboration between state and federal agencies highlights the seriousness of the threat posed by these groups and the concerted effort required to combat their illegal activities on U.S. soil.

Sources:

  1. DPS Captures Tren de Aragua Gang Member in Houston
  2. 4 Tren de Aragua gang members arrested after multi-agency operation in San Antonio identified
  3. Texas DPS Special Agents arrest Tren de Aragua gang member in Houston

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