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Two Tren de Aragua gang members arrested in Aurora on charges tied to Texas murder

“We are united in our efforts to dismantle these violent criminal networks”

Denver Post reporter Max Levy in Denver Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
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Federal agents this week announced the arrests in Aurora of two documented members of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua on suspicion of murder and aggravated kidnapping in connection with a killing in Texas.

Carl Luis Zambrano-Bolivar, 26, and Jhonata Nahin Toro Gonzalez, 22 — immigrants from Venezuela who were in the United States without permission — were arrested Sept. 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents,

A third alleged Tren de Aragua member — Ehiker Morales Mendoza, 38 — was arrested Oct. 11 in Las Cruces, N.M., also in connection with the alleged murder of 33-year-old Nilzuly Enrique Arneaud-Petit in north Texas.

“By coming together as a law enforcement community to successfully locate and arrest these fugitives across state lines, we have sent a resounding message that we are united in our efforts to dismantle these violent criminal networks and put an end to the lawlessness that they spread,” said Travis Pickard, acting special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations component in Dallas.

Authorities plan to extradite the three suspects to Texas to be prosecuted for the killing, the news release said, while a fourth wanted gang member — Jhonny Jesus Martinez Serrano, 29 — remains at large.

Members of the public with information regarding the whereabouts of Martinez Serrano can assist ICE while remaining anonymous by contacting investigators at 1-877-447-4847.

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