A 19-year-old man, Wilker Alejandro Gutierrez Quintero, was arrested in Martin County, Florida, on suspicion of being a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Local authorities were alerted after a resident reported a suspicious figure on private properties in Sewall's Point on Monday night.
According to the TC Palm, the Martin County Sheriff's Office and Sewall's Point Police responded quickly to the scene. Quintero initially claimed to be working for a food delivery service but failed to provide proof of employment with UberEATS, raising suspicion.
As reported by NBC Miami, it was later discovered that Quintero was from Venezuela and on the FBI watch list for his alleged gang ties. Quintero was apprehended after a nearby homeowner used a flashlight, which startled him, causing him to flee. A Martin County deputy stopped Quintero’s gray Volkswagen and found he was driving without a valid license.
"The FBI was able to confirm that he was on the watch list because he was a part of the Tren de Aragua gang, the Venezuelan gang that's been operating here in the United States for the last couple years," said Sheriff John Budensiek to TCPalm. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Quintero, ensuring his deportation after the judicial process.
Quintero was initially booked for driving without a license, with further proceedings pending. The Martin County Sheriff's Office Facebook page confirms that he will be handed over to ICE for deportation. He is currently being held without bond as the case progresses.
