Federal immigration officials with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) Denver announced Friday the apprehension of a 23-year-old Venezuelan national wanted for deportation.
Joel Matos-Nieto, identified as a member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang – an international criminal organization – was taken into custody. ICE officials confirmed he possessed a final order of removal issued April 23rd.
“ICE Denver officers executed the arrest of Matos-Nieto, a criminal alien from Venezuela and active member of the Tren de Aragua,” stated a release from federal immigration authorities. His prior criminal record includes convictions for motor vehicle theft, resisting law enforcement, and vandalism.”
This action follows heightened scrutiny on transnational gang activity within the United States. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson noted that efforts initiated during the Trump administration – including formally designating Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization – have led to the detention of over 600 members of the group in just the initial 100 days.
The arrest of Matos-Nieto comes amidst growing concerns surrounding gang presence and activity. Just yesterday, authorities in Aurora, Colorado, detained 14 individuals suspected of being illegal gang members following an armed home invasion.
Furthermore, a separate case unfolded in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where a former judge and his wife face charges related to obstruction of justice and aiding an alleged Tren de Aragua member.
- The Individuals Involved: Doña Ana County Magistrate Judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano
- The Allegation: Accused of providing shelter to Cristhian Ortega-Lopez.
- Details of the Case: Ortega-Lopez entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023 and was released from custody pending a deportation hearing due to facility constraints. He initially performed home repairs for the Canos before being invited to reside with them.
Ortega-Lopez was apprehended by federal agents in February, prompting Judge Cano’s subsequent resignation earlier this year.
“The situation highlights vulnerabilities within the immigration system and underscores the importance of rigorous enforcement against transnational criminal organizations,” a DHS spokesperson remarked.
