ICE captures South American theft ring members in Texas break-ins after probe

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FIRST ON FOX: ICE mentioned federal brokers captured members of a South American theft ring believed to be in the U.S. illegally who attacked households in a sequence of violent armed break-ins throughout Texas.

Based on the company, the group focused small enterprise house owners throughout the Lone Star State.

In a single incident, video obtained by FOX Information exhibits two masked males holding handguns chasing a screaming resident round his home. The sufferer was seen being hit by the suspects.

4 suspects have been federally indicted in reference to the break-ins, and two have been convicted.

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Armed males seen chasing a Texas resident in a house invasion. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The group is believed to be members of the South American Theft Group (SATG) , an organized community of international nationals, primarily from South America, who journey all through the U.S. focusing on rich houses and companies by committing burglaries and thefts, in response to ICE.

The members, ICE said, use encrypted messaging apps, burner telephones and pre-surveillance of neighborhoods to determine and goal victims. Objects stolen embody high-value jewellery, luxurious watches and money.

ICE mentioned most members of the group are within the U.S. illegally or stay within the nation on expired visas.

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Joel Hallynson Espinal-Cantareo is an unlawful migrant from Honduras who was convicted and sentenced in September to greater than 11 years in federal jail, in response to ICE. (HSI)

One man concerned, 38-year-old Joel Hallynson Espinal-Cantareo, is an unlawful migrant from Honduras who was convicted and sentenced in September to greater than 11 years in federal jail for interference with interstate commerce by theft, in response to ICE. His federal sentence will run consecutively to pending state instances.

Espinal-Cantareo was concerned in no less than three armed residence invasions at residences in Irving, Cedar Hill and Frisco, investigators mentioned. In these incidents, enterprise house owners have been pistol-whipped, zip-tied and compelled at hand over money and helpful gadgets.

"This 11-year sentence sends a transparent message that violent crime and threats to public security is not going to be tolerated," Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) Dallas Particular Agent in Cost Travis Pickard mentioned in an announcement. "Espinal-Cantareo's actions affected small companies and endangered lives. This vital sentence displays the seriousness of these crimes. ICE will proceed to work intently with our federal, state and native companions to guard our communities and produce violent offenders to justice."

ICE mentioned most members of the group are within the U.S. illegally or stay within the nation on expired visas. (Getty Photos)

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Three suspects have been indicted after HSI offered the federal case to the U.S. Lawyer’s Workplace in Sherman. A fourth suspect, who was prosecuted individually by the Dallas County District Lawyer’s Workplace, has since been convicted and sentenced to life in jail.

Two different instances are nonetheless pending, in response to ICE.

ICE mentioned it has issued an immigration detainer to make sure Espinal-Cantareo is transferred to federal immigration custody when he finishes his federal sentence. The company mentioned it should pursue his deportation following his launch from federal custody.