Alleged Tren de Aragua gang member arrested by Tennessee Highway Patrol

Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted a joint operation that resulted in the detention of nearly a hundred individuals, including a convicted child sex predator and a known member of the Tren de Aragua gang. ICE detained a total of 94 people for further investigation and transport as part of the operation.

According to THP, several encounters during the operation involved suspected gang members, including affiliates of the Tren de Aragua gang, and led to the seizure of illegal drugs and firearms. In the course of nearly 370 traffic stops for violations, THP reported that four individuals were wanted for felonies, two were arrested for drug offenses, one was taken into custody for child endangerment, and two were arrested for driving under the influence.

At the request of ICE, Tennessee troopers are continuing to support a coordinated public safety effort focused on traffic enforcement. THP’s role in the operation is to observe driving behavior and conduct lawful stops based on violations of Tennessee traffic laws. In cases where individuals were found to be in the country illegally, ICE conducted separate investigations in accordance with federal laws.

THP emphasized that their troopers enforce traffic laws fairly and consistently, making stops based solely on traffic infractions in an effort to ensure the safety of all Tennesseans. They clarified that they do not target individuals based on their identity, but rather on their actions behind the wheel.

The successful operation involved less than a dozen troopers, as stated in the release. The collaboration between THP and ICE underscores their commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the law.

This article was rewritten by Alexandra Koch, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and military affairs in the southeast.