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Florida authorities arrested five undocumented immigrants, for allegedly having stolen from 32 commercial establishments in Polk County.
The Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd, stated at a press conference broadcast by FOX News that two of the suspects are known members of the Tren de Aragua gang, while the other three are gang associates.
The detained suspects were identified as Samuel Oglis David Anthony Charle, 25 years old; Ildemaro Miguel Escalona Mendoza, 26 years old; Alexis José Rodríguez-Benavides, 27; Darwins Smith Vasquez-Leon, 28 years old; and Ramón Jesús Carpintero-Luna, 26.
Benavides and Charle were identified as members of the Venezuelan gang.
The detectives believe that the suspects are connected to more than three dozen robberies in businesses across the Central Florida area in five judicial districts, with total estimated losses exceeding $30,000.
The five suspects, who are in the U.S. without authorization, face charges of organized retail theft and burglary. Authorities are also working to add charges of organized crime, according to Fox 13.
The Polk County sheriff shared an image at the press conference of Ramón Jesús Carpintero-Luna sobbing while being interviewed by the police.
Judd stated that the investigation into the crimes began in October when Publix reported that a series of high-end liquor items were being stolen from stores in central Florida. Walmart and Sam's Club made similar reports of thefts in their stores.
The incident that helped investigators catch the suspects occurred last month at a Sam's Club in Lakeland, where they attempted to steal a shopping cart full of liquor worth $3,200, according to the sheriff.
The United States government officially declared in recent months that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is a foreign terrorist organization, considering it a threat to U.S. national security.
The order signed by Trump on January 20 warns that the organization poses an "unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the U.S."
“Their activities, proximity, and incursions into the physical territory of the United States pose an unacceptable risk to national security,” the document emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about the arrest of alleged members of the Tren de Aragua in Florida
Who are the alleged members of the Tren de Aragua detained in Florida?
Florida authorities detained five undocumented immigrants, of whom two, Samuel Oglis David Anthony Charle and Alexis José Rodríguez-Benavides, were identified as members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang considered a threat by the U.S. government.
What crimes are the detainees accused of?
The five suspects are facing charges for organized retail theft and robbery. Additionally, authorities are working to add charges of organized crime due to the alleged connection with the Tren de Aragua gang.
What were the estimated losses from thefts in Florida's retail stores?
The estimated total losses from the thefts committed in 32 retail establishments in Florida exceed 30,000 dollars, according to investigations by local authorities.
What actions is the U.S. government taking against the Tren de Aragua?
The U.S. government has officially designated the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization, considering it a threat to national security due to its criminal activities and presence in the country.
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