Texas raid nets 140 illegal immigrants tied to Tren de Aragua gang

A raid on a sex and human trafficking operation in Saint Anthony The attack carried out by members of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang led to the arrest of at least 140 illegal immigrants, authorities said on Monday.

The raid was part of a joint effort by the Texas Department of Public Safety and federal and local authorities, said Texas Governor Gregg Abbott.

A regional Homeland Security Task Force to combat transnational criminal organizations was formed on Monday. The task force’s goal is to dismantle drug cartels, foreign terrorist organizations and criminal networks responsible for crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling and money laundering.

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It’s unclear why ICE agents conducted the traffic stop early in the morning. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Sunday’s raid was part of President Donald TrumpThe executive order, issued on January 20, targets transnational criminal organizations.

More than 140 illegal immigrants from Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico and other South American countries have been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.

Several federal agencies were involved in the raid.

“The Homeland Security Task Force enables the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to utilize its sophisticated investigative techniques that have been instrumental in catching the most violent drug trafficking organizations in the United States and around the world,” said Houston Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen.

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Agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies. Federal authorities conducted a raid in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday that resulted in more than 140 arrests, authorities said. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with our federal and state colleagues to take down drug traffickers who pump poison into our neighborhoods and devastate our communities,” he added.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, whose brother was mayor of San Antonio, said he had asked the Justice Department and local authorities for more information about the raid. He claimed that raids conducted elsewhere had arrested U.S. citizens and immigrants without criminal records.

Meanwhile, ICE has arrested 3,500 criminals in Houston illegal aliensincluding child predators and murderers, during the 43-day government shutdown.

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) speaks during a press conference in February. (Getty)

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The suspects taken into custody include 13 people convicted of murder, 51 child molesters, 67 sex offenders and 23 gang members, including an MS-13 gang member charged with a triple murder in Dallas, authorities said.