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
Zodiac Killer may be tied to Black Dahlia case after ‘code cracked,’ new suspect emerges

New Breakthrough Links Zodiac Killer to Black Dahlia Mystery: Unveiling a New Suspect

The infamous Zodiac Killer, known for his cryptic messages that taunted law…
Redding police warn of high school water gun 'assassin' game

Redding Police Issue Advisory on High School Water Gun ‘Assassin’ Game

As graduation season draws near, a beloved high school tradition is once…
Benjamin Netanyahu reveals he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer

Breaking: Benjamin Netanyahu Opens Up About Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Diagnosis – What It Means for His Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently disclosed that he had received treatment…
Rare moment caught on camera as three tornadoes touch down in California

Unprecedented Capture: Trio of Tornadoes Simultaneously Touch Down in California

On Tuesday, California’s Central Valley experienced a rare surge of tornado activity,…
Ukraine pitches 'Donnyland' to honor Trump's aid against Russia: report

Ukraine Proposes ‘Donnyland’ Tribute to Recognize Trump’s Support in Russia Conflict

According to a recent report, Ukrainian officials have proposed renaming a portion…
HUD encourages real estate industry to share neighborhood school and crime data after listing platforms stopped under Biden: ‘Wrongly equated with racial discrimination’ 

HUD Urges Real Estate Industry to Share Local School and Crime Data, Addressing Concerns Over Racial Discrimination Under Biden Administration

On Friday, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) called upon…
Ex-NYPD cop convicted of perjury for lying about circumstances of 2009 Bronx shooting

Former NYPD Officer Found Guilty of Perjury in Controversial 2009 Bronx Shooting Case

A former officer of the NYPD was convicted of perjury on Friday,…
Former North Carolina police officer accused of threatening mass shooting at New Orleans festival

Ex-North Carolina Police Officer Faces Allegations of Threatening Mass Shooting at New Orleans Festival

A former police officer from North Carolina was taken into custody late…
Oklahoma tornado barrels through Enid, damaging homes and shutting down roads

Tornado Strikes Enid, Oklahoma: Homes Damaged and Roads Closed

On Thursday, a devastating tornado tore through Oklahoma, ripping the roofs off…
Pentagon email floats suspending Spain from NATO, other steps over Iran rift

Pentagon Contemplates NATO Shake-Up: Spain’s Membership at Risk Amid Iran Dispute

An internal email from the Pentagon has unveiled potential strategies for the…
House considers bill to create 'buffer zones' outside houses of worship to ward off protest chaos

House Proposes Bill for ‘Buffer Zones’ to Safeguard Worship Spaces from Protest Disruptions

Congress is currently weighing a new legislative proposal that aims to establish…
City manager 'begged' fired Cincinnati police chief for more officers on street as crime skyrocketed

City Manager Urgently Requested Additional Officers from Dismissed Cincinnati Police Chief Amid Rising Crime Rates

Cincinnati’s former police chief, Teresa Theetge, who previously faced a lawsuit from…