TEXAS — Gov. Greg Abbott is continuing statewide efforts to put a stop to a Venezuelan gang he says poses an increasing danger to Texans.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas is offering up to $5,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of known or suspected members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA)

  • Last week, the governor announced a plan to halt the gang and designated it as a foreign terrorist organization

  • TdA began in a Venezuelan prison and later expanded into a transnational criminal organization

  • In order to be eligible for the cash reward, tips can be made by contacting the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or online through the Texas Department of Public Safety

On Monday, the governor announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of known or suspected members of Tren de Aragua (TdA).

Last week, the governor announced a plan to halt the gang and designated it as a foreign terrorist organization. The plan includes creating a strike team made up of Department of Public Safety highway patrol troopers, special agents and Texas Rangers who will target the gang’s criminal operations.

“Tren de Aragua has spread terror and carnage in every country they've been in, and Texas will not allow them to gain a foothold in our state,” Abbott said. “...Texas will not let these thugs use our state as a base of operations to terrorize our citizens. I encourage anyone with information on Tren de Aragua to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. With the public’s help, combined with the hard work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will capture these dangerous gang members and put them behind bars for good.”

TdA formed in a Venezuelan prison and later expanded into a transnational criminal organization. Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to elevate them to a Tier 1 gang last week.

National Border Patrol Council Vice President Chris Cabrera has called TdA a threat to the entire nation.

“It is an infestation that’s taking hold not just in Colorado or New York but in Michigan, Florida, Texas, you name it. If people don’t wake up and see it for what it is, we’re going to be in a lot of trouble in this country,” Cabrera said.

As part of Abbott’s plan, DPS will also coordinate with Texas Anti-Gang Centers (TAG) in El Paso, Houston, Irving, Laredo, Lubbock, McAllen, San Antonio, Tyler and Waco.

In order to be eligible for the cash reward, tips can be made by contacting the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or online through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Tipsters could earn up to $5,000. All tips are anonymous no matter how they are submitted.