In a mid-month immigration raid led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in the United States, four Cuban nationals were apprehended among 143 immigrants in San Antonio, Texas, according to official reports.
The federal agencies announced in a statement released this Tuesday that the operation occurred on November 16 in northern San Antonio, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Out of the 143 immigrants detained, authorities confirmed that 51 individuals were members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang.
In addition to the four Cubans, the raid resulted in the detention of 98 Venezuelans, 21 Hondurans, 14 Mexicans, two Ecuadorians, and one individual each from Nicaragua, Peru, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Official information reveals that 25 of these individuals have criminal records in the U.S., with 13 facing felony charges and 12 accused of minor offenses. However, their names and nationalities remain undisclosed.
The identities and any charges against the arrested Cuban nationals have not been made public either.
All individuals were placed in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "to undergo immigration proceedings conducted in accordance with due legal process."
The operation was executed near 5939 San Pedro Avenue in San Antonio, an area previously reported as a frequent gathering spot for those believed to be associated with TdA and other criminal elements, including drug distribution, illegal weapon possession, and human trafficking, according to federal authorities.
Last week, the FBI and HSI field offices in San Antonio announced the establishment of a regional Homeland Security Task Force for South Texas, aiming to "combat emerging threats from transnational criminal organizations."
These organizations "have incited violence in communities nationwide, making it nearly impossible for many to avoid the repercussions of drug-related criminal enterprises," they warned.
The Trump administration officially designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization, identifying it as a threat to national security.
Detentions of Cuban Migrants in Texas Cities
In recent months, numerous Cuban nationals have been arrested in San Antonio and other Texas cities, detained in ICE facilities, and processed for deportation.
Many have been apprehended by ICE agents after appearing for routine court appointments aimed at regularizing their status. Dozens of stories have surfaced of Cuban nationals being separated from their families amid U.S. immigration proceedings.
Activists and lawyers have highlighted that, in these cases, ICE's lack of transparency and discretion creates an atmosphere of insecurity among Cuban migrant families.
Simultaneously, authorities have reported the arrest of Cubans in Texas who have been convicted or face charges for crimes committed in the U.S., with many under final deportation orders.
The severity of the offenses committed by some of these Cubans has led to their classification as among "the worst of the worst," a category ICE uses for immigrants with dangerous criminal records who pose a threat to public safety and are targeted for removal from the country.
Key Questions About Immigration Enforcement in San Antonio
What were the charges against the arrested Cuban nationals?
The specific charges, if any, against the Cuban nationals arrested have not been disclosed.
How many immigrants were arrested in total during the raid?
A total of 143 immigrants were arrested during the operation in San Antonio, Texas.
What is the Tren de Aragua gang?
The Tren de Aragua (TdA) is a Venezuelan gang involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and human smuggling, and has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.