Image Credit: Hamilton County Jail & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Last week the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced the arrest of illegal alien Adelvis Rodriguez-Carmona, 30, on charges of patronizing prostitution, possession of marijuana, Xanax, and crack cocaine for resale, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
The arrest stemmed from a joint anti-human trafficking operation in the Hamilton County area involving the TBI, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga Police, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This is not Rodriguez-Carmona’s first run in with authorities as he is a known member of the aggressive Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and is suspected to have also committed violent crimes in New York City and Chicago.
ICE has been aware of his presence since 2022 as he was placed into removal proceedings yet released on an order of recognizance after his initial encounter with Border Patrol near Eagle Pass, TX.
A federal immigration judge issued a final order of removal in 2023, but Rodriguez-Carmona was not located until February of 2024 when he was arrested on numerous counts including unlawful use of a weapon and use of cannabis in a vehicle, though he was later released. He was then arrested in March of 2024 and placed in a detention facility in Wisconsin, pending immigration removal proceedings, but was released again.
There is no clarity as to the happenings between his March detainment and recent arrest in Chattanooga, nor any explanation as to why he was released from custody multiple times or ICE’s failure to capture and deport the offender.
Three women were also arrested during the bust, Wilimar Herrera Guedez, 29, Rebeca De Los Juarez Lucena, 26, and Yidalbris Marcano Salas, 29. All were charged with prostitution while Salas was also charged with possession of marijuana, Xanax, and crack cocaine for resale and unlawful possession of a weapon.
TBI Director David Rausch believes, “they are victims as well,” and live in “great fear” of their captors as many women are kidnapped off the streets in Venezuela and then forced into prostitution in the U.S.
Rodriguez-Carmona is currently being held at the Hamilton County Jail on a $125,000 bond and was ironically booked on the same day the sheriff’s office stated, “there is no active investigation into this gang or its gang members operating or residing in Hamilton County or being incarcerated in our jail at this time.”
Denial has been a common theme amongst local law enforcement and leadership as both have claimed TdA presence was a nonissue, despite the TBI’s warnings and the gang’s recorded activities over the past few years. Several TdA members were arrested in Middle Tennessee two years ago and Memphis PD recently reported incidents linked to the gang.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly said, “We have no evidence that Tren de Aragua is operating in Chattanooga. So, we’ll continue to be vigilant, but it’s not a concern for us right now in Chattanooga.”
The Chattanooga Police Department also previously issued a statement disregarding the gang’s presence, “To date, there have been no confirmed instances or indications of Tren de Aragua’s presence withing Chattanooga. Additionally, there are currently no validated members of this gang within our jurisdiction, nor are there any active CPD investigations related to their activities.”
It seems these agencies have now reversed course as they vow not to let TdA get a “foothold” in Tennessee, but their acknowledgment of the reality of the situation seems to have come too little too late, as the gang appears to be settling into Tennessee just fine.
Rausch also warned that though their primary operations mainly revolve around human trafficking, TdA is likely to expand into retail theft, drug dealing, and escalated violence if not handled swiftly.
Brandon Lewis (founder of the Tennessee Conservative) summed up the frustrations of the general citizenry saying, “But the liberal media keeps saying this is ‘fake news’ in Tennessee…When everyone knows illegal immigration is rampant in the volunteer state.”
Perhaps these escalated activities will force authorities and lawmakers to finally understand the severity of the illegal immigration crisis in Tennessee and prompt them to act in favor of the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Once deported, returning should mean death.