ICE Arrests Gang Members in Dallas Vehicle Theft Ring

DHS Press Releases

Filed March 23rd, 2026

Detected March 24th, 2026

Summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of three individuals in Dallas, Texas, involved in a vehicle theft ring. The arrests included members of the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs, as well as a criminal illegal alien. This operation is part of a broader effort by DHS to remove public safety threats.

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What changed

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has announced the successful execution of a targeted operation in Dallas, Texas, resulting in the arrest of three individuals involved in a vehicle theft ring. Among those arrested were a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, a member of the MS-13 gang, and a criminal illegal alien. This action is highlighted as part of DHS's commitment to public safety and the removal of criminal aliens, with a specific mention of ICE having arrested over 7,800 gang members since the current administration took office.

This enforcement action underscores the agency's focus on apprehending individuals deemed public safety threats, particularly those with gang affiliations and criminal records. Compliance officers should note the emphasis on targeting specific criminal enterprises and the stated goal of making communities safer. While this is an enforcement action, it signals ongoing operational priorities that may impact immigration and law enforcement strategies. No specific compliance actions are mandated for regulated entities by this press release, but it serves as an indicator of enforcement focus.

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Making America Safe Again: ICE Arrests Gang Members and Illegals Aliens Involved in a Vehicle Theft Ring in Dallas, Texas

Making America Safe Again: ICE Arrests Gang Members and Illegals Aliens Involved in a Vehicle Theft Ring in Dallas, Texas

Release Date: March 23, 2026
DHS has arrested more than 7,800 criminal illegal alien gang members from American communities since President Trump took office

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made three high impact arrests in Dallas including a Tren de Aragua gang member, MS-13 gang member, and a criminal illegal alien involved in a vehicle theft ring.

“This targeted multi-day operation resulted in high impact arrests of a Tren de Aragua gang member, a MS-13 gang member, and an illegal alien involved in a vehicle theft ring in Dallas, Texas. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to arrest and remove public safety threats from American communities,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “ Under President Trump, *ICE has arrested more than 7,800 gang members*. ICE is delivering day-in and day-out on the American people’s mandate to make America safe again.”

During the targeted operation in Dallas, TX on March 18 and March 19, ICE arrested:

Jhonny Colmenares-Sepulveda, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and Tren de Aragua gang member. Colmenares-Sepulveda entered the U.S. in August 2023 in Brownsville, Texas and was RELEASED into the country under the Biden administration.

Fernando Avilez-Romero, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and self-admitted MS-13 gang member. Avilez-Romero illegally entered the U.S. in 2013 and was RELEASED by the Obama administration into the U.S. He was eventually granted a green card. His criminal history includes two convictions for assault causing bodily injury and dangerous drugs. His felony criminal convictions allowed ICE to place him in removal proceedings.

Fabian Rodriguez-Ortiz, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela and associate of a vehicle theft ring. He illegally entered the U.S. in 2023 and was RELEASED into the country under the Biden administration. He was issued a final order of removal from an immigration judge in November 2025.