Suspected Tren de Aragua gangbanger captured in California was previously deported, crossed border 3 times — despite multi-state rap sheet

[The Bobster]

Suspected Tren de Aragua gangbanger captured in California was previously deported, crossed border 3 times — despite multi-state rap sheet

At some point after Roa was admitted into the US, he left to visit his girlfriend in Mexico, the source revealed.

nypost.com

Suspected Tren de Aragua gangbanger captured in California was previously deported, crossed border 3 times — despite multi-state rap sheet​

By
Jennie Taer



Published Jan. 9, 2025, 7:37 a.m. ET













A suspected Tren de Aragua gangbanger with a lengthy rap sheet who was nabbed coming into California last month was previously deported and made at least three other border crossings — including his last known return to Mexico to visit his girlfriend, sources tell The Post.


Border Patrol agents in the El Centro border sector caught Venezuelan migrant Jose Gonzalez Roa, who had a record in New York, Colorado and California, where he was wanted for attempted murder.


But it wasn’t the feds’ first encounter with the suspected gangbanger.

AD

3
Jose Gonzalez Roa was captured at the California border, where agents discovered his alleged gang ties. X/USBP Chief Patrol Agent
According to a source, the suspected gangbanger crossed the border and was deported in December 2022 under the Trump-era Title 42 COVID expulsion policy.




But just a few months later, Roa tried to enter again legally at the port of entry in Brownsville, Texas, where he claimed asylum and was released into the US.

AD

Explore More​

Violent Tren de Aragua gang linked to brutal killing of Mexican border agent who was bashed to death with rock ​

Four Tren de Aragua members tried to blend in with migrants and sneak across Texas border: cops ​

Knife-wielding Tren de Aragua gangbangers are repeatedly attacking border crossings in desperate move to force their way into US before Trump takes office ​

At some point after he was admitted into the country, he left to visit his girlfriend in Mexico, the source revealed.


3
Migrants turn themselves in to border agents after crossing illegally into Arizona on Jan. 5, 2025. Getty Images
During his time roaming the US, Roa allegedly went on a crime spree and was arrested at least three different times, including in Queens, New York, in September 2023 when he was charged with robbery, larceny and assault.


After his latest capture, border agents discovered his warrant for attempted murder out of Redwood City, Calif. from September.



What do you think? Post a comment.

He also had an earlier arrest in Broomfield, Colo., just outside of Aurora, for a minor traffic offense, per the source.


However, it’s not clear why he was let go each time.


3
Border agents load migrants into vehicles along the border wall before transporting them to a processing center on Jan. 5, 2025. Getty Images
In an X post on the arrest, El Centro Sector Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino said that “Tren de Aragua face consequences” under his watch.


“This ain’t #Aurora, CO,” said Bovino, referring to the Tren de Aragua foothold, where the gang has taken over apartment complexes and engaged in violent crime.





Tren de Aragua members have already settled in at least 19 states after crossing the southern border into the US. Many of the gangbangers were set free by border agents because they posed as asylum seekers.

AD

Without possessing any traditional gang markings or tattoos, the feds released a large portion of them because they were unable to get cooperation from the Venezuelan regime to help identify the gangbangers.


Tren de Aragua has also grown its foothold in sanctuary New York City, where its members have shot and assaulted NYPD cops, engaged in sex and gun trafficking and carried out vicious robberies.