TEXAS — Over 40 people, including minors allegedly linked to the Venezuelan transnational gang Tren de Aragua, were apprehended in a collaborative effort by the Hay’s County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday.

For over a year, a joint investigation involving the FBI, ICE, San Antonio Police Department, DPS and other federal, state and local agencies has reportedly targeted the gang and its suspected members.

A Hays County residence suspected of being used by Tren de Aragua members was searched under warrant by the sheriff’s office and DPS.

The location of the arrested individuals’ detention is unknown at this time.

The investigation continues, and prosecutors will decide on charges using evidence from the search.

On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating various transnational gangs and drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The order went into effect on Feb. 20, 2025. 

Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization, has expanded its operations across the United States and Latin America, fueled by the Venezuelan refugee crisis.