Arrest Exposes Wider Transnational Crime Network Operations

Texas authorities apprehend a dangerous Tren de Aragua gang member in Houston, exposing the growing threat of transnational crime in the United States.

At a Glance

Jorgenys Robertson Cova, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant and Tren de Aragua gang member, arrested in Houston.
Cova was scheduled for an asylum hearing on the day of his arrest.
Texas DPS collaborates with local and federal agencies to combat the Venezuelan criminal organization.
Governor Greg Abbott offers reward for information leading to arrest of Tren de Aragua members.
Multiple arrests of gang members across Texas highlight the expanding presence of transnational crime.

Houston Arrest Sheds Light on Transnational Crime Threat

In a significant operation, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents arrested Jorgenys Robertson Cova, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant and confirmed member of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, in Houston on October 7, 2024. The arrest, carried out in collaboration with the Houston Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), underscores the growing challenge posed by transnational criminal organizations operating within the United States.

Cova, identified as a suspected TdA member in late September, was apprehended on the day of his scheduled asylum hearing in Houston. The arrest revealed that he was wanted in Pearland, Texas, for theft and bore tattoos associated with the TdA gang, including a five-point crown and a clock with roses. Following his arrest, Cova was booked into the Brazoria County Jail without incident.

Tren de Aragua: A Rising Threat to Public Safety

The Tren de Aragua gang, originating from Venezuela, has become a significant concern for law enforcement agencies across the United States. With an estimated 5,000 members, the gang is involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, sex trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and organized retail theft. The arrest of Cova is part of a larger effort by Texas authorities to combat the gang’s growing influence in the state.

In response to the rising threat, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched a statewide operation targeting the Tren de Aragua gang, which he has labeled a terrorist organization. The governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of TdA members involved in criminal activities. This move demonstrates the seriousness with which Texas authorities are treating the gang’s presence in the state.

Multiple Arrests Highlight Expanding Gang Presence

The arrest of Cova in Houston is not an isolated incident. On October 5, a multi-agency operation in San Antonio resulted in the arrest of four additional Tren de Aragua gang members. The arrested individuals, all Venezuelan citizens with confirmed ties to the gang, were identified as Angel Josue Guerra-Sanguino, Yonaiker Velasco, Jean Carlos Hidalgo-Oviedo, and Yorbis Rafael Osorio Carmona.

These arrests underscore the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with transnational criminal organizations. Many of the arrested individuals had previously been detained near Eagle Pass and were instructed to report to ICE offices in various cities. However, some failed to comply with these orders, highlighting the difficulties in tracking and managing illegal immigrants with gang affiliations.

Coordinated Efforts to Combat Transnational Crime

The successful arrests of Tren de Aragua gang members in Texas demonstrate the importance of coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The Texas Department of Public Safety, working alongside the San Antonio Police Department, Houston Police Department, and federal agencies like ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, has shown that a united front is crucial in addressing the threats posed by transnational criminal organizations.

As the Tren de Aragua gang continues to expand its operations across Texas and potentially other parts of the United States, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant. The arrests in Houston and San Antonio serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety and the need for continued cooperation between different levels of government to effectively combat transnational crime.