A member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was apprehended in New York City during immigration raids orchestrated by the Department of Homeland Security, as revealed by Secretary Kristi Noem in an interview with Fox News. The operation, aimed at apprehending violent criminals in urban centers, saw the participation of Noem and federal immigration authorities on Tuesday.
Noem appeared on “Fox & Friends” to discuss the arrest of the individual identified as a key figure within the Tren de Aragua gang. According to Noem, the detainee was in the process of purchasing grenades, shedding light on the extent of criminal activities being pursued by the gang members.
The proactive measures taken by authorities in New York City signal a strong stance against criminal organizations operating within the United States. By targeting individuals associated with violent gangs like Tren de Aragua, law enforcement aims to ensure the safety and security of residents in major cities and other areas.
“He had just been a part of a gun weapons exchange and was trying to buy grenades,” Noem said. “Why would anybody in this country need to buy a grenade and go out and perpetuate violence?”
She said President Donald Trump is taking action to go after criminals who are in the country illegally despite some Democratic leaders opposing the effort.
ICE and DEA migrant raids NYC (Drug Enforcement Administration New York)
“What was amazing is you’ll hear people and Democrat leaders in different cities, like New York City, some of their city council members have tried to attack what we’re doing as far as enforcing our laws,” she said. “But the people on the streets are not with them.”
“It was amazing to hear people and see them as they walked by taking their kids to school, going to work, just walk by us and quietly say thank you, thank you for being here,” Noem continued. “And that means a world to those officers that are out there risking their lives to bring safety back.”
ICE migrant raids NYC (Drug Enforcement Administration New York and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations)
Tyreek Goodman, a member of the Bronx County Conservative Party, said the threat of the gang’s violent crimes had sowed fear within the community.
“You do have the feeling, the fear of what happens if they come here next,” Goodman, who is a city council candidate, told Fox News Digital. “There’s been a lot of crimes on the MTA, based off people that weren’t supposed to be here. So we have to understand that in order to keep our people safe, this is a time for us to stand by law enforcement.”
As the Trump administration continues to move rapidly to fulfill its promise to mass deport dangerous foreign criminals, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday issued an update that the agency made 1016 arrests and issued 814 detainers in a single day.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
