A Venezuelan migrant was arrested in Houston for allegedly recruiting middle school students into the violent Tren de Aragua gang, sparking fear in the Sharpstown community and highlighting Texas' growing battle against criminal gangs infiltrating the state.
A Venezuelan migrant was arrested in Houston on October 7 for allegedly recruiting middle school students into the violent Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, sending shockwaves through the Sharpstown community. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers apprehended 32-year-old Jorgenys Robertson Cova, who reportedly entered the U.S. illegally during the Biden-Harris administration. The arrest marks a significant escalation in Texas' crackdown on the Venezuelan prison gang.
Residents of Sharpstown, where Cova was active, expressed growing concerns about the safety of their community. “If it’s happening elsewhere, it might also be happening in our neighborhoods, and we’re unaware of it,” said Janice, a local resident interviewed by Fox 26 Houston. Another resident emphasized the need for immediate action, warning that the situation could become much worse if law enforcement doesn’t intervene.
The arrest comes amid a broader effort by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to target the TdA gang, which he recently designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This move allows state authorities to use expanded resources to combat the gang’s activities. Abbott’s office also posted a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of gang members involved in criminal activities.
“Our goal is to make sure we find them, identify them, locate them, arrest them, and lock them up,” Abbott stated, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to preventing the gang from establishing a foothold in Texas communities.
As Texas continues to grapple with the influx of illegal immigration, including violent gangs like TdA, local authorities are calling for increased vigilance to protect vulnerable students from recruitment and violence.
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