Texas law enforcement officials successfully apprehended a known MS-13 gang member attempting to elude authorities aboard a train transporting grain. The individual, Delmar Sanchez Zuniga, a Honduran national with a prior deportation record, was identified as being on the Transnational Criminal Organization Watchlist.

The apprehension occurred on June 3rd in Maverick County, Texas, following surveillance by Texas Rangers utilizing drone technology. The Rangers observed several individuals attempting to board a train and subsequently directed the DPS Operations Group Train Interdiction Team to the location, leading to Zuniga's arrest.

Zuniga has a criminal history, including convictions for drug and felony weapons possession in Omaha, Nebraska. He was deported to Honduras in 2003. His identity was confirmed in collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol.

MS-13, also known as Mara Salvatrucha, is a notorious international gang originating in Los Angeles among Central American immigrants. The gang has spread across the continent, particularly in Northern Triangle countries. It is infamous for its violent crimes. Border Patrol apprehensions of MS-13 members this year total 111, compared to 312 in FY 2022 and 113 in FY21.

This arrest follows a recent incident where a human smuggler led Texas authorities on a high-speed chase exceeding 100 mph. The driver crashed the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but was later apprehended along with two undocumented individuals.

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of Texas DPS, under Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, to address border security and the migrant crisis.