Texas Raids Tren de Aragua Operation, 140 Arrested

One of the largest anti-trafficking operations in recent Texas history just unfolded in San Antonio, targeting a network linked to the violent Tren de Aragua gang.

Here’s the breakdown

Read this especially if you’re tracking congressional oversight, transparency battles, or how both parties are positioning themselves around the Epstein fallout.

What Just Happened

Texas DPS, ICE, and federal partners raided a human-trafficking operation tied to the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang,  a rapidly expanding Venezuelan-rooted criminal network.
At least 140 undocumented immigrants were arrested during the operation.
Authorities say the network had been operating across multiple safe houses and stash sites.

Who Was Detained

Detainees came from Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, and several South American countries.
ICE says the arrests included:
• 13 convicted murderers
• 51 child predators
• 67 sex offenders
• 23 gang members, including MS-13 affiliates

Federal officials say additional suspects may be connected to broader trafficking routes into Texas.

Why It Matters

TdA has expanded aggressively throughout Latin America and into the United States.
A new Homeland Security Task Force,  launched this week, aims to dismantle cartels, smuggling routes, and trafficking cells tied to TdA and similar groups.
Gov. Abbott says the operation aligns with Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order targeting transnational criminal networks.

The Backdrop

Some local residents protested the raid, raising concerns about civil rights and past instances where U.S. citizens were mistakenly detained.
Rep. Joaquin Castro has asked the DOJ for details and oversight of the operation.
The raid involved DEA, ICE, local police, and multiple federal task forces working in coordination.

The Bottom Line

The raid shows how quickly TdA has spread across U.S. territory.
Federal-state partnerships are shifting toward more aggressive enforcement models.
Expect more multi-agency raids as the new task force expands its operations nationwide.

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