During a routine traffic stop in Bellevue, Nebraska, agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI encountered Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a 30-year-old Venezuelan national who had entered the United States illegally in 2023. The agents had attempted to carry out an active immigration-related warrant for his arrest, prompting them to direct him to pull over and exit his vehicle with his arms raised. As they attempted to place him in handcuffs, Hurtado-Cariaco allegedly resisted and initiated a violent struggle.
According to the Department of Justice, during the confrontation, Hurtado-Cariaco assaulted one law enforcement officer, dragging them to the ground. He then managed to throw the agent off, resulting in the officer striking her head and elbow on the pavement. Despite sustaining injuries, the agent rose up and continued to attempt to subdue the suspect. A second agent joined the effort, eventually leading to a three-person scuffle as the suspect crawled behind the injured officer and placed her in a chokehold, disregarding commands to stop.
The situation escalated further when the second agent attempted to subdue Hurtado-Cariaco with a chokehold, prompting the suspect to break free and flee on foot. Authorities tracked him down at his nearby apartment and took him into custody. The injured officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The case marks the third time that a high-ranking member of the Tren de Aragua gang has been indicted on terrorism charges, highlighting the growing focus on the gang’s ties to the Venezuelan government.
Following the incident, U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods stated that the law enforcement officers demonstrated remarkable professionalism while facing potentially fatal violence. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added that the arrest and prosecution of this Tren de Aragua member reflects the government’s commitment to protecting law enforcement from violent attacks. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has announced that Hurtado-Cariaco faces a potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of the charges against him. His attorney has not yet commented on the case.
The case has also sparked discussions about the broader implications of the Tren de Aragua gang’s activities in the United States and its potential connections to the Venezuelan government. Previous reports suggest that the gang has been using technology to expand its operations, further complicating efforts to combat its influence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by transnational criminal networks and the importance of maintaining robust law enforcement measures to ensure public safety.