The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Mar. 23 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made three arrests in Dallas, Texas, involving a Tren de Aragua gang member, an MS-13 gang member, and another individual connected to a vehicle theft ring.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by federal authorities to remove individuals considered threats to public safety from American communities.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “This targeted multi-day operation resulted in high impact arrests of a Tren de Aragua gang member, a MS-13 gang member, and an illegal alien involved in a vehicle theft ring in Dallas, Texas. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to arrest and remove public safety threats from American communities.” Bis added, “Under President Trump, ICE has arrested more than 7,800 gang members. ICE is delivering day-in and day-out on the American people’s mandate to make America safe again.”
According to the department's announcement, the operation took place on March 18 and March 19. The individuals arrested include Jhonny Colmenares-Sepulveda from Venezuela—a Tren de Aragua gang member who entered the United States in August 2023 at Brownsville, Texas; Fernando Avilez-Romero from El Salvador—a self-admitted MS-13 gang member with prior convictions for assault causing bodily injury and dangerous drugs; and Fabian Rodriguez-Ortiz from Venezuela—an associate of a vehicle theft ring who was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in November 2025.
The department reported that since President Trump took office it has arrested more than 7,800 criminal illegal alien gang members.
