A Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang member, Jorgenys Robertson Cova, has been arrested in Houston for allegedly recruiting middle school students to join the gang. Cova, an illegal alien from Venezuela, has been in the United States for two years. He was apprehended after a series of thefts and is accused of recruiting students from Jane Long Academy and Las Americas, both part of the Houston Independent School District. Concerns have been raised by residents in the Bellaire community, where the schools are located, about the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang in the area.
Tren de Aragua, based in Venezuela, is a transnational gang with approximately 5,000 members between Venezuela and the United States. They are involved in drug and human trafficking activities in both countries. Cova was identified as a Tren de Aragua member due to his distinctive arm tattoos, which include a clock, a five-point crown, and roses. Other tell-tale tattoos for the gang include stars, AK-47s, and trains, which represent the Spanish word for “tren”. Authorities were tipped off to Cova’s presence in Houston by a Texas Department of Public Safety special agent assigned to the Texas Anti-Gang Center.
Hispanic and Latino residents in the Houston area have expressed concerns about the increase in Tren de Aragua activity and its impact on their community. Many feel unfairly targeted due to the actions of gang members like Cova. Spanish-speaking residents told FOX 26 Houston that they are often viewed as delinquents and face discrimination as a result of the criminal activities of a few individuals. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of anyone affiliated with Tren de Aragua in the state.
In addition to recruiting students from local middle schools, Cova was also awaiting an asylum hearing in Houston at the time of his arrest. Tren de Aragua has been a growing concern in the United States, with members involved in various criminal activities across state lines. The gang’s violent reputation and links to organized crime have prompted law enforcement agencies to take swift action against its members. The arrest of Cova in Houston highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between authorities and communities to combat the presence of transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua.
The arrest of Jorgenys Robertson Cova sheds light on the challenges posed by illegal immigration and the recruitment of young people into criminal organizations. From Venezuela to the United States, gangs like Tren de Aragua continue to thrive, exploiting vulnerable individuals and causing harm to communities. The case underscores the importance of border security and law enforcement efforts to disrupt the activities of these gangs and protect the safety and well-being of residents in both countries.
As investigations into the activities of Tren de Aragua and its members continue, residents in Houston and beyond remain on high alert for signs of gang activity in their communities. The arrest of Cova serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing cooperation between law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and community members to address the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations. By working together to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in gang-related crimes, communities can take a stand against the violence and exploitation perpetrated by groups like Tren de Aragua.
