20 people arrested in raid on Tren de Aragua

A predawn raid on a north side apartment complex called Palatia Apartments arrested 20 people, some of whom were suspected to be members of the notorious Venezuelan prison gang Tren De Aragua.

“Operation Aurora” marks a significant step forward in the ongoing crackdown on this transnational organization found in San Antonio. Approximately 300 empty apartments were inspected by members of the San Antonio Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF and other members of the Texas Anti Gang Unit. According to SAPD, these vacant apartments are suspected of being used by Tren de Aragua members.

Three Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations agents are supporting Operation Aurora at the city's magistrate building, deploying ICE detainees to those arrested.

According to SAPD, the initiative stemmed from information gathered by undercover officers at the Migrant Resource Center.

The SAPD raid Saturday morning is part of a broader effort to undermine Tren de Aragua's influence in Texas. The prison gang was founded in the Venezuelan state of Aragua. Since then, law enforcement authorities have assumed that the gang entered the United States along with illegal migrants. Tren de Aragua is believed to be involved in prostitution, cocaine sales and other violent crimes in San Antonio.

Chief William McManus sent us this statement: “Known and suspected gang activity is investigated and uncovered when found to be active within the San Antonio community. The safety of our residents and first responders is our top priority.”

Fox San Antonio will have exclusive images as officers conduct the operation.