In yet another shocking consequence of the Biden administration’s open-border failure, Florida authorities have arrested five illegal aliens linked to the notoriously violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua—a gang the left refuses to take seriously. Their crime? A series of organized retail thefts that reek of arrogance, entitlement, and a complete disregard for American law and order.
The arrests were made by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Grady Judd—never one to hold back—used the opportunity to humiliate the criminals and issue a warning to others who think the United States is a playground for gang activity. A mugshot of one suspect, who broke down in tears after being caught, went viral after Judd publicly mocked the gang’s pathetic downfall.
“They were smiling when they were stealing,” Judd told reporters, “but they weren’t smiling when we caught them.” One of the suspects, Ramon Jesus Carpintero-Luna, was seen sobbing hysterically in his mugshot, prompting Judd to ask rhetorically, “Is he crying because he can’t steal from Americans anymore?”
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a local crime story—it’s a damning indictment of a border policy that continues to endanger everyday Americans.
The five gang members—all illegal aliens from Venezuela—were linked to over three dozen thefts across Central Florida. Their spree targeted retail stores in five judicial districts, with total losses estimated at more than $30,000. In one especially brazen attempt in early March, the group tried to make off with $3,200 worth of high-end liquor from a Sam’s Club in north Lakeland. Store personnel intervened, forcing the thugs to flee, leaving behind crucial evidence that eventually led to their capture.
According to a statement from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, detectives identified two of the suspects—Samuel Oglis David Anthony Charle, 25, and Ildemaro Miguel Escalona Mendoza, 26—who were already sitting in jail in Osceola County for yet another robbery. Arrest warrants were later issued for the other three criminals: Alexis Jose Rodriguez-Benavides, 27, Darwins Smith Vasquez Leon, 28, and the now-infamous Ramon Jesus Carpintero-Luna, 26.
The suspects’ rap sheets include a laundry list of offenses: robbery, drug possession, immigration violations, resisting arrest, fraudulent ID use, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon—you name it. But here’s the real kicker: all five were in the U.S. illegally.
These gang members belong to Tren de Aragua, a violent criminal syndicate that has been spreading across the Americas. Former President Donald Trump attempted to crack down on them using the Alien Enemies Act, but unsurprisingly, his efforts were blocked by an activist judge—James Boasberg—who seems more concerned with protecting foreign criminals than safeguarding American citizens.
Sheriff Judd didn’t hold back. “I hope they’ve got their traveling clothes on,” he said. “We want to charge them with racketeering, send them to state prison for a very long time, and then deport them.”
If only the Biden administration had the same resolve.
This case is yet another painful reminder of what happens when the federal government prioritizes politics over public safety. Law-abiding Americans are being victimized while foreign criminals exploit the very system that’s supposed to protect us.
Enough is enough. It’s time for leadership that defends our borders, protects our communities, and puts Americans first.
