![]() ![]() “All of these little towns like Hondo, Sabinal and Uvalde had members.”ĭuring one investigation, agents learned that Mexican Mafia members in Uvalde reported to a lieutenant whose turf was San Antonio’s South Side. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, which includes Uvalde. “When I prosecuted those kinds of cases, Uvalde had an active Mexican Mafia presence,” said former state Judge Joey Contreras, who prosecuted gang and racketeering cases over a dozen years with the U.S. Investigators say transnational human traffickers are usually involved in other crimes, too, including gun running and dope and bulk-cash smuggling - crimes that can lead to drive-by shootings, home invasions and murders. The advertisements often flash stacks of cash. Smugglers routinely post ads on social media platforms such as TikTok looking for drivers for immigrant loads. Some of the recruits get involved in illegal activity, such as immigrant smuggling, before they turn 18. The Tangos, however, are loosely affiliated and have a less rigid top-down structure than the others, gang experts say.Īll of them recruit from street gangs to replace aging members who usually end up in prison. Most of those gangs enforce strict hierarchies, with lower-level street soldiers reporting to superiors. Others are linked to the Chicago-born Latin Kings or a newer group with San Antonio roots, the Tango Orejon gang. ![]() Most people who have been prosecuted for gang-related activity in the region have ties to prison-based gangs, such as the Texas Mexican Mafia and the Texas Syndicate. “They didn’t just pop up there overnight.” ![]() “Uvalde has had a gang problem for years,” said a federal officer who works undercover investigating gangs in South Texas, including Uvalde. Uvalde is a relatively short drive, at least by Texas standards, from three border entry points: Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Laredo. The city sits in a key spot for drug trafficking and human smuggling - crimes that gangs often engage in. Gang activity has been part of life in Uvalde for decades - with some members referring to it as “La Uva,” or the grape, a play on the city’s name - according to law enforcement officers and prosecutors who have handled cases there. “It looks to be a pattern,” the police chief said. Rodriguez said some of those involved in Thursday’s melee also are suspected of taking part in a shooting four weeks ago in the 100 block of North Wood in Uvalde. Valdez faces charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, aggravated assault and endangering a child.Īlba will be charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and nine counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He didn’t suffer a bullet wound.Įach of the juveniles is charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and nine counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Alba, 18 - was in a San Antonio hospital Friday for injuries he sustained during the fight. Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez said three suspects are in custody over the incident: Karlyn Alexandrya Valdez, 22, and two juveniles, ages 16 and 17.Ī fourth suspect - Brandon L. One gang was losing, the other gang pulled out a pistol and started shooting,” McLaughlin said. “I can tell you it was two rival gangs that got into a fistfight. Brown was in stable condition Friday, while the teenager’s condition was critical. Uvalde police said Friday that the victims are Bruce Brown, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile whose name was withheld. One victim was transported to University Hospital and the other to Brooke Army Medical Center, both in San Antonio. said Thursday night’s incident began as a brawl at Memorial Park - until someone pulled a gun and shot two young males. ![]()
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