SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Agents apprehended a member of a deadly street gang near the Michigan-Canada border.
According to the US Border Patrol, the arrest took place in Sault Ste. Marie this week. They are members of Tren de Aragua, a brutal transnational criminal street gang from Venezuela that is known for human smuggling, drug trafficking, and extortion.
Agents were looking for the suspect, who has not been identified by name, and arrested them when they attempted to retrieve a previously seized vehicle.
Since October 1, agents say they’ve arrested 174 illegal immigrants with gang ties.
Arrests have increased throughout the country as part of ongoing efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations.
“Violent criminal organizations and transnational gangs like Tren de Aragua are a plague on our communities, using fear and violence to terrorize hardworking and law-abiding citizens,” said HSI Dallas acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard.
“By coming together as a law enforcement community to successfully locate and arrest these fugitives across state lines, we have sent a resounding message that we are united in our efforts to dismantle these violent criminal networks and put an end to the lawlessness that they spread.”
Anyone witnessing suspicious border activity is encouraged to contact the 24-hour border watch line at 1-800-537-3220.
