Overview

• 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.