Texas governor offers $5,000 reward for Venezuelan gang arrests
Abbott declares crackdown on Tren de Aragua, urges public to aid arrests
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which has been spreading terror across parts of the United States. On Monday, Abbott made the announcement, stating that Texas authorities would not allow the dangerous gang to establish a presence in the state.
“Tren de Aragua has caused havoc and violence in every country they’ve entered, and Texas will not permit them to take root here,” Abbott declared. He stated, “I am offering a reward for any information that leads to the identification and arrest of known or suspected gang members involved in serious crimes. Texas will not allow these criminals to use our state as their base of operations to terrorize our residents.”
Reports indicate Tren de Aragua is involved in trafficking guns, drugs, and women across all 50 states, including in New York City, Chicago, and other less populated areas. A federal official described the gang as “MS-13 on steroids,” referring to the violent South American street gang that has been a menace in Long Island in recent years.
Announcing a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the identification and arrest of Tren de Aragua gang members who are involved in criminal activity.
Texas will NOT allow these thugs to gain a foothold in our state and endanger Texans.
More: https://t.co/vW2L1KnYgd pic.twitter.com/UbXJ4FS8U4
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) September 23, 2024
Abbott’s announcement follows his designation of gang as a foreign terrorist organization, part of a statewide effort to combat the gang and its criminal activities. He urged anyone with information to contact the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit tips online. Tips can be given anonymously, with callers receiving a tip number.
We are now offering a $5,000 Reward For Information On Tren De Aragua Gang Members.
We want them off our streets. https://t.co/F6i5TXEYiK
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 23, 2024
The governor’s office emphasized that residents should not try to apprehend suspected gang members on their own. “With the public’s assistance and the dedicated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will arrest these dangerous gang members and ensure they are imprisoned permanently,” Abbott said.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Texas Cracks Down On Violent Venezuelan Gang Tren De Aragua focuses on Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to combat the gang’s violent activities, including human smuggling and transnational crimes, with intensified law enforcement operations and increased penalties. (Read more)
- FOX News reports Texas Governor Greg Abbott designating Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, launching a statewide operation to disrupt their criminal operations and protect Texans. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is Gov. Greg Abbott offering for information on Tren de Aragua gang members?
Up to $5,000.
Why is Texas targeting the Tren de Aragua gang?
To prevent them from gaining a foothold and terrorizing citizens.
What activities is the Tren de Aragua gang involved in?
Peddling guns, drugs, and women across all 50 states.
How can people submit tips about Tren de Aragua members?
Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit a tip online.
Why shouldn’t residents attempt to capture suspected gang members themselves?
It’s dangerous; tips should be given to law enforcement.
