Venezuelan Gang Member Arrested in Texas for Alleged Recruitment of Middle Schoolers

Jorgenys Robertson Cova, linked to the Tren de Aragua gang, was detained in Houston amid concerns of targeting students for criminal activities.

Cova, a 32-year-old Venezuelan national, was arrested by Texas authorities on charges related to theft and suspected gang activity.
Authorities allege Cova attempted to recruit middle school students in Houston for a shoplifting ring, exploiting their vulnerability and potential for lenient legal consequences.
Cova, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, has a history of theft across Texas and Arizona, with several charges previously dropped.
The Tren de Aragua gang, originally from Venezuela, has been expanding its influence in the U.S., prompting Texas to designate it a 'tier one' gang for intensified law enforcement focus.
Governor Greg Abbott has labeled the gang a 'growing threat' in Texas, offering rewards for information leading to arrests of its members.