AUSTIN — A joint investigation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Hays County Sheriff’s Office and several other federal, state and local partners led to the arrest of more than 40 individuals, according to a news release.
The organizations have been investigating members and associates believed to be part of the Venezuelan transnational gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA) for more than a year, read the news release.
In recent days, the FBI developed intelligence regarding a possible gathering of suspected TdA members or TdA associates in Hays County.
The news release stated that in the morning of April 1, HCSO and DPS, working with the FBI, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations, established sufficient cause to obtain a search warrant for a residence, which was executed by DPS’ Special Response Team. As a result of this operation, more than 40 individuals, including minors, were taken into custody at or near the residence and narcotics were seized, the news release said.
State and federal prosecutors will evaluate potential charges based on evidence obtained during the search warrant and subsequent investigation.
This case is currently under investigation.