Last week, officials from the Trump administration informed Fox News that they had successfully captured a Venezuelan illegal immigrant who is believed to be a key figure in the violent Tren de Aragua gang in Los Angeles.
The individual, previously known as Yonaiker Gallegos but using the name Yoniaker Rafel Martinez-Ramos, was already under arrest in LA County for minor offenses like counterfeit checks and having a falsified government ID.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed that they found Martinez-Ramos on April 22 with the help of local authorities. It was later discovered that the name Martinez-Ramos had been using was likely a fake identity, after examining the items he had in his possession during his initial arrest.
He was arrested on April 25 for Title 8 (immigration) violations, according to the senior official, who also said he was “identified as a leader of TDA based in California.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also confirmed Gallegos’ arrest.
Analysts with Homeland Security Investigations’ National Gang Unit were able to match tattoos on “Yoniaker Rafel Martinez-Ramos” to pictures on Yonaiker Gallegos’ social media, the senior official said. (Senior Trump administration official)
HSI Los Angeles coordinated with state and local authorities to take Gallegos into federal custody on immigration-related charges.
