Florida law enforcement has apprehended five undocumented immigrants suspected of committing thefts at 32 retail outlets in Polk County. During a press briefing broadcasted by FOX News, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd revealed that two of these individuals are identified members of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang, while the remaining three are linked to other gangs.
The individuals taken into custody have been named as Samuel Oglis David Anthony Charle, 25; Ildemaro Miguel Escalona Mendoza, 26; Alexis José Rodríguez-Benavides, 27; Darwins Smith Vasquez-Leon, 28; and Ramón Jesús Carpintero-Luna, 26. Benavides and Charle have been specifically identified as members of the Venezuelan gang. Detectives suspect these individuals are connected to over three dozen thefts in Central Florida, spanning five judicial districts, with losses surpassing $30,000.
Criminal Charges and Investigation Details
Facing charges of organized retail theft and burglary, these five suspects, who are in the U.S. without legal authorization, may also encounter additional charges related to organized crime, as per reports from Fox 13. During the press conference, Sheriff Judd presented a photo of Carpintero-Luna in tears while being questioned by authorities.
The investigation into these criminal activities began in October when Publix reported the theft of high-end liquor items from its Central Florida stores. Similar incidents were reported by Walmart and Sam's Club. A key event that led to the suspects' capture occurred last month at a Sam's Club in Lakeland, where they attempted to steal a shopping cart loaded with liquor valued at $3,200, according to the sheriff.
Tren de Aragua: A Declared Threat
The U.S. government recently designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, citing it as a national security threat. An order signed by former President Trump on January 20 warned that the organization poses an "unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States." The document emphasized that the gang's activities and incursions into U.S. territory present an unacceptable risk to national security.
Understanding the Threat of Tren de Aragua
Who are the Tren de Aragua?
Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan criminal gang known for its involvement in organized crime, including theft, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.
Why is Tren de Aragua considered a threat in the U.S.?
Tren de Aragua has been labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. due to its criminal activities that pose a risk to national security, including incursions into U.S. territory.
What led to the arrest of the gang members in Florida?
The arrests followed an investigation into a series of thefts at major retailers in Central Florida, with a crucial incident involving an attempted theft at a Sam's Club in Lakeland.