San Antonio, Texas, November 26, 2025
Federal authorities arrested 143 individuals in a sweeping operation against international crime groups, specifically targeting the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in San Antonio, Texas. Conducted by the FBI and HSI, the operation took place on November 16, focusing on disrupting criminal activities, including drug trafficking and human trafficking. The detainees included individuals from various countries, with many having previous criminal records. This operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat threats posed by transnational organizations.
San Antonio, Texas
Federal Authorities Arrest 143 Individuals in Operation Targeting International Crime Groups
San Antonio, Texas – In a significant operation conducted on November 16, 2025, federal authorities arrested 143 individuals in San Antonio, Texas, as part of a crackdown on international crime groups. The operation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), focused on disrupting the activities of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and other transnational criminal organizations.
Details of the Operation
The operation took place near 5939 San Pedro Avenue, an area identified as a gathering point for individuals linked to TdA and other criminal elements involved in drug distribution, illegal weapons possession, and human trafficking. The task force, known as Homeland Security Task Force – South Texas, was established to combat threats from transnational criminal organizations. The Texas Department of Public Safety assisted in executing a state search warrant at the location. All 143 individuals were taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for immigration proceedings.
Demographics of the Arrested Individuals
The detained individuals included:
- 98 Venezuelans
- 21 Hondurans
- 14 Mexicans
- 4 Cubans
- 2 Ecuadorians
- 1 each from Nicaragua, Peru, Guatemala, and El Salvador
Among those arrested, 25 had prior criminal histories in the United States, including 13 felonies and 12 misdemeanors. The operation aimed to disrupt the activities of TdA, which has been linked to various criminal activities, including human trafficking and drug smuggling.
Background on the Task Force
The Homeland Security Task Force – South Texas was established under Executive Order 14159, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. The task force comprises law enforcement officials from a dozen state and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Coast Guard, the Internal Revenue Service, and federal prosecutors in both the Southern and Western Districts of Texas. The task force focuses on dismantling drug cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and transnational gangs involved in violent crime, human trafficking, extortion, drug smuggling, and money laundering.
Recent Operations
Prior to this operation, the task force conducted several major operations, including a significant firearms seizure in the Laredo area. On October 23, agents intercepted 534 firearms and 31,482 rounds of ammunition from the Laredo area before they were to be trafficked into Mexico. Two men were charged with smuggling firearms and trafficking. Other recent operations include disrupting the Tren de Aragua criminal organization in San Antonio on November 16, resulting in the arrest of over 140 people from Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, and other South American countries.
Statement from Authorities
Authorities emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to confront transnational criminal organizations and uphold the rule of law. The FBI stated that transnational criminal organizations have driven violence into communities across the country, making it nearly impossible for many to avoid the impacts of drug-related criminal enterprises and related criminal activity. It is essential that we work collaboratively to confront these threats early while upholding the rule of law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the purpose of the operation in San Antonio?
The operation aimed to disrupt the activities of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and other transnational criminal organizations involved in drug distribution, illegal weapons possession, and human trafficking.
How many individuals were arrested during the operation?
A total of 143 individuals were arrested during the operation.
Which agencies were involved in the operation?
The operation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
What is the Homeland Security Task Force – South Texas?
The Homeland Security Task Force – South Texas is a regional initiative established to combat transnational criminal organizations. It comprises law enforcement officials from a dozen state and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Coast Guard, the Internal Revenue Service, and federal prosecutors in both the Southern and Western Districts of Texas.
What are the recent operations conducted by the task force?
Prior to the San Antonio operation, the task force conducted several major operations, including a significant firearms seizure in the Laredo area on October 23, where 534 firearms and 31,482 rounds of ammunition were intercepted before being trafficked into Mexico. Other recent operations include disrupting the Tren de Aragua criminal organization in San Antonio on November 16, resulting in the arrest of over 140 people from Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, and other South American countries.
Key Features of the Operation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation Date | November 16, 2025 |
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
| Number of Arrests | 143 individuals |
| Targeted Organization | Tren de Aragua (TdA) |
| Agencies Involved | FBI, HSI, Texas Department of Public Safety |
| Task Force Established | Homeland Security Task Force – South Texas |
| Recent Operations | Firearms seizure in Laredo, disruption of TdA in San Antonio |
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