Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested three members of the notorious Tren de Aragua (TDA) gang, who had entered the United States illegally from Venezuela.
The arrests occurred in two separate operations. In San Antonio, Texas, ICE detained Nestor Jose Mendoza-Garcia, a Venezuelan national and TDA gang member, on Thursday.
Mendoza-Garcia was found to be in the country illegally, unlawfully in possession of a firearm, and had previous encounters with local law enforcement in 2024.
Meanwhile, in Nashville, Tennessee, ICE agents apprehended two additional Venezuelan nationals linked to the TdA gang. The first, Elmer Aparicio-Castillo, was also found to be illegally possessing a firearm and has a criminal history. The second individual, a 36-year-old whose name has not been disclosed, was likewise tied to the violent gang.
All three individuals had initially been apprehended at the U.S. border in 2023. However, they were released into the United States under policies implemented by the Biden administration. Critics argue that these releases allowed dangerous individuals to infiltrate American communities.
The Tren de Aragua gang, originating in Venezuela, is considered one of the most violent criminal organizations operating across South America.
Known for their brutality, gang members have been accused of extortion, trafficking, and forcibly taking over apartment buildings. Their presence in the United States has raised significant concerns about public safety.
A senior Trump administration official confirmed the arrests, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to addressing the infiltration of criminal elements into the country.
Bill Melugin, a journalist reporting on border issues, shared the news on social media, highlighting the connection between the arrests and previous border releases.
NEW: Per senior Trump admin official, ICE has arrested three more Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang members, all of whom were previously caught and released at the border by the Biden administration in 2023. The arrests took place in San Antonio & Nashville.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 25, 2025
Details:
On January… pic.twitter.com/6haYvYLDyi
The Trump administration has wasted no time in taking decisive action. Earlier this week, ICE conducted operations leading to the arrest of over 300 illegal immigrants on President Trump’s first full day in office. These arrests reflect a broader strategy to restore border security and address illegal immigration.
Despite the successes of ICE’s operations, resistance to enforcement persists. In Boston, a local church leader reportedly refused to cooperate with ICE during a recent raid, drawing attention to ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary movements.
President Trump’s swift actions underscore his administration’s focus on reversing previous policies that critics claim enabled the entry of dangerous individuals.
Supporters of the president argue that these early efforts demonstrate his commitment to prioritizing American safety and sovereignty.
As ICE continues its operations, the administration is expected to build on these initial actions, ensuring that those who enter the country illegally—especially individuals tied to criminal organizations—are apprehended and removed.
President Trump’s approach marks a sharp departure from the previous administration’s policies, setting a new tone for immigration enforcement in the United States.