The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association (SAPFFA) has issued a warning to its members to “watch your six” amid concerns over increasing criminal activity by the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang in the city’s north side. SAPFFA President Joe Jones has expressed concern that firefighters and paramedics’ uniforms are similar to those of San Antonio police officers, putting them at risk from gang violence. The union chief mentioned several safety concerns within Battalion 5, an area near the San Antonio Migrant Resource Center where the gang is reportedly active.
The City of San Antonio responded to the concerns by stating that suspected and known gang activity in the city is being addressed by the local police department (SAPD. The city also emphasizes its close coordination with the fire department, noting their joint efforts to ensure public safety and protect first responders. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently designated the Tren de Aragua gang as a foreign terrorist organization and offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of its members.