Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested three members of the notorious Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang, who had entered the United States illegally from Venezuela.
The arrests occurred in two separate operations. In San Antonio, Texas, ICE detained Nestor Jose Mendoza-Garcia, a Venezuelan national and TDA gang member, on Thursday.
Mendoza-Garcia was found to be in the country illegally, unlawfully in possession of a firearm, and had previous encounters with local law enforcement in 2024.
Meanwhile, in Nashville, Tennessee, ICE agents apprehended two additional Venezuelan nationals linked to the TdA gang. The first, Elmer Aparicio-Castillo, was also found to be illegally possessing a firearm and has a criminal history. The second individual, a 36-year-old whose name has not been disclosed, was likewise tied to the violent gang.
All three individuals had initially been apprehended at the U.S. border in 2023. However, they were released into the United States under policies implemented by the Biden administration. Critics argue that these releases allowed dangerous individuals to infiltrate American communities.
The Tren de Aragua gang, originating in Venezuela, is considered one of the most violent criminal organizations operating across South America.
Known for their brutality, gang members have been