Texas Governor Unveils Significant Reward for Information on Tren de Aragua Members

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of members of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, as the state intensifies efforts to combat this growing criminal threat.

At a Glance

Governor Abbott offers a $5,000 reward for information on Tren de Aragua gang members.
Tren de Aragua was recently designated as a foreign terrorist organization in Texas.
The gang is reportedly involved in trafficking guns, drugs, and women across all 50 states.
Abbott has called El Paso “ground zero” for the gang’s activity in the U.S.
The public is urged to report information anonymously through Texas Crime Stoppers.

Governor Abbott Takes Decisive Action Against Tren de Aragua

To combat the rising threat of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of gang members. This initiative was launched by the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office.

Governor Abbott recently designated the Tren de Aragua gang as a foreign terrorist organization and elevated it to Tier 1 gang status. The Texas Department of Public Safety has been directed to create a specialized TdA Strike Team tasked with identifying and apprehending gang members.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of known or suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. https://t.co/RQwwrdFDmF

— KTSM 9 News (@KTSMtv) September 23, 2024

The Tren de Aragua Threat

Tren de Aragua has emerged as a significant concern for law enforcement across the United States. With an estimated 5,000 members in Venezuela and the U.S., the gang has been compared to MS-13 in terms of its level of violence and criminal activity. Their operations span all 50 states, involving the trafficking of guns, drugs, and women, as well as other heinous crimes such as murder and extortion.

“Tren de Aragua has spread terror and carnage in every country they’ve been in, and Texas will not allow them to gain a foothold in our state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I am announcing a reward for any information that leads to the identification and arrest of known or suspected members of this gang who have been or are involved in heinous crimes.”

El Paso: Ground Zero for Tren de Aragua Activity

Abbott has referred to El Paso as “ground zero” for Tren de Aragua’s activities in the United States. This designation highlights the strategic importance of the border region in combating the gang’s expansion. Recent arrests by U.S. Border Patrol agents in El Paso underscore the ongoing efforts to intercept gang members attempting to enter the country.

The gang’s presence has been felt beyond Texas, with arrests reported in other states. In Colorado, four suspected members were apprehended following a shooting near the Nome Street Apartments in Aurora. Wisconsin saw the arrest of an alleged Tren de Aragua member for alleged assault and child abuse. These incidents demonstrate the gang’s reach and the urgency of a coordinated national response.

Public Cooperation and Safety Measures

Governor Abbott has emphasized the role of public cooperation in combating Tren de Aragua. Individuals with information are urged to contact the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS or submit tips online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website. All tips remain anonymous, with tipsters receiving a unique number instead of using their name, ensuring the safety of those who come forward.

The public is strongly advised not to attempt apprehension of suspected gang members, as they are considered armed and dangerous. The $5,000 reward serves as an incentive for citizens to share information while leaving the arrest of these dangerous individuals to trained law enforcement professionals.