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A Venezuelan national, identified as Yonaiker Gallegos, was apprehended in Los Angeles last week. He is suspected of being a prominent figure in the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal organization known for its violent activities. This was reported by a senior official from the Trump administration.
At the time of his arrest, Gallegos was in custody in LA County, facing misdemeanor charges for possessing counterfeit checks and a fraudulent government ID under the alias Yoniaker Rafel Martinez-Ramos.
On April 22, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified potential discrepancies in his identity after reviewing the circumstances surrounding his local arrest. This investigation was bolstered by information pertaining to the items found with him.
Connections to Public Safety Risks
A recent assessment by the FBI highlighted that the Venezuelan government utilizes groups like Tren de Aragua to jeopardize public safety in the United States.
Gallegos was confirmed to be the true identity of Martinez-Ramos on April 23, following an examination by HSI’s National Gang Unit, which included analyzing his tattoos and booking photographs.
Additionally, investigators accessed his social media where they found posts and images that aided in confirming his identity through facial recognition technology, as noted by the official.
In footage shared with Fox News from his social media accounts, Gallegos appeared to display firearms, including a rifle, along with grenades.
Charges and Arrest Details
He was formally charged on April 25 with immigration violations under Title 8, and was recognized as a leader of the Tren de Aragua gang operating in California.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also verified the details surrounding Gallegos’ arrest.
The collaboration between HSI Los Angeles and local authorities led to Gallegos being placed into federal custody on immigration-related charges.
Source
www.foxnews.com