Suspected Tren de Aragua member among 5 arrested in human smuggling bust: Texas sheriff
Share this @internewscast.com

A suspected member of the infamous Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang was one of five individuals apprehended during a human smuggling operation in Texas, authorities announced on Wednesday.

Three suspects, charged with human smuggling, have been bypassing Border Patrol checkpoints and using recognized human smuggling corridors to transport up to 15 people weekly into the U.S., according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. He mentioned that two other people present at the time of arrest faced accusations related to drug possession.

The individuals charged with human smuggling were identified as 24-year-old Jose Francisco Barriento Vega from Mexico, along with 49-year-old Mary Lou Tula and 44-year-old Alexis Segundo Olivo Fernandez, both from Venezuela.

Vega is in the U.S. without documentation, Salazar said, while Tula is believed to be a U.S. citizen.

Salazar said the sheriff’s Human Exploitation Unit has worked with Laredo Sector Border Patrol to investigate the human smuggling group since launching operations in April. The sheriff noted the group has associations with criminal organizations responsible for upwards of $1 million of seized cash.

Bryan Suarez

Bryan Suarez, 19, was arrested during the bust for drug possession, the sheriff’s office said. (Bexar County Sheriff’s Office)

Those arrested were booked into Bexar County Jail.

Salazar said more arrests are possible as the investigation remains ongoing.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
University of Wisconsin faces civil rights complaint from watchdog group for alleged trans bathroom violations

Watchdog Group Files Civil Rights Complaint Against University of Wisconsin Over Transgender Bathroom Policy

EXCLUSIVE: An educational oversight group has lodged a civil rights complaint with…
Two brothers who survived the Parkland shooting hurt after Ybor City crash

Uncertainty Surrounds Parkland Shooting Survivor’s Health Following High-Speed Police Chase Crash

A night out turned tragic for two siblings and their friend, as…
Rapper Akon briefly ‘Locked Up’ in Georgia on bench warrant

Rapper Akon Temporarily Detained in Georgia Due to Bench Warrant

Akon, the rapper famous for “Locked Up,” was momentarily detained in Georgia…
Former Gavin Newsom chief of staff charged in $225K fraud and corruption scheme, DOJ says

Top Gavin Newsom Aide Faces DOJ Charges in Shocking $225K Fraud Scandal

On Wednesday, former chief of staff to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Dana…
Outrage over mass shooting suspect's 60K bail fueled by repeat offender's different treatment

Public Outcry Erupts: Disparity in Bail for Mass Shooting Suspect Versus Repeat Offender Sparks Debate

The individual accused of a mass shooting in Alabama has been granted…
Search for Melodee Buzzard: Mother of missing Santa Barbara County girl appears in court today on unrelated charge

Unfolding Drama: Melodee Buzzard Faces Court Amid Ongoing Search for Missing Daughter in Santa Barbara

The search for nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard commenced on October 14, following concerns…
Passenger finds loaded magazine with mysterious inscription on Atlanta plane; FBI notified

FBI Investigates: Loaded Magazine with Cryptic Inscription Discovered on Atlanta Flight

On Sunday, the FBI was alerted after a loaded gun magazine was…
IDF eliminates terrorist in 'another ceasefire violation' in Gaza

IDF Neutralizes Terrorist Amid Gaza Ceasefire Breach: Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Tuesday that they successfully intercepted…
Last-minute addition to Congress spending bill could criminalize THC drinks

Congressional Spending Bill Amendment Could Lead to Criminalization of THC-Infused Beverages

Supporters of the hemp industry warn that a proposed legislative change could…
Two brothers who survived the Parkland shooting hurt after Ybor City crash

Parkland Shooting Survivors and Brothers Injured in Ybor City Collision

On Friday night, Connor and Brandon Dietrich, along with their close friend…
Office of the Inspector General urges Chicago Public Schools to reform travel policies after expenses spike

Inspector General Calls for Overhaul of Chicago Public Schools’ Travel Policies Amid Rising Costs

A recent report from Chicago’s Office of the Inspector General has raised…
Harvest Megachurch Sued Over Alleged Romanian Child Abuse

Lawsuit Filed Against Harvest Megachurch for Alleged Child Abuse in Romania

Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, led by prominent pastor Greg Laurie,…