ICE arrests 3 Tren de Aragua gang members in mass deportation push

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made significant arrests this week, capturing three members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in two separate states as the new administration ramps up its efforts to deport individuals. According to a senior Trump administration official speaking to Fox News, Nestor Jose Mendoza-Garcia was apprehended in San Antonio, Texas, while Elmer Aparicio-Castillo and another unidentified man were taken into custody in Nashville on the same day. These individuals were allegedly in the country illegally after being processed and arrested by the Biden administration last year.

President Donald Trump praised ICE’s actions, stating at a rally in Las Vegas that the agency has been targeting hundreds of illegal alien criminals for immediate expulsion, including those with convictions for serious crimes such as rape, child sexual assault, terrorism, and murder. Trump specifically highlighted the Tren de Aragua gang, describing them as a dangerous group that originated in Venezuelan prisons and has now infiltrated the United States, likening them to the notorious MS-13 gang.

Mendoza-Garcia, who arrived in the U.S. in October, was initially issued a notice to appear before being released. However, he was later arrested by the San Antonio Police Department in November for possessing a gun linked to an unsolved murder. ICE San Antonio obtained a federal indictment and arrest warrant for Mendoza-Garcia on Thursday for being an alien in possession of a firearm, confirming his active involvement with the gang.

Aparicio-Castillo, who had a criminal history that included charges of evading arrest, promoting prostitution, and marijuana possession in Nashville, was issued a notice to appear after an encounter with ICE in El Paso, Texas, in September. He was arrested by ICE Nashville for allegedly being an alien in possession of a gun and is also believed to have ties to the gang.

The third individual, a 36-year-old Venezuelan who entered the U.S. illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, in December, was issued a notice to appear. Like Aparicio-Castillo, this individual also had a criminal record that involved evading arrest, promoting prostitution, and marijuana possession in Nashville. He was administratively arrested by ICE Nashville on Thursday.

The Trump administration’s push for mass deportations is evident in these recent arrests of Tren de Aragua gang members. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, even confirmed that deportation flights have already begun. The efforts of ICE to target criminal elements like this gang align with the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring the safety and security of the country. Fox News’ Bill Melugin contributed to the reporting of this story.