DPS Arrests Convicted Murderer and Gang Member in Laredo

LAREDO, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested a convicted murderer and criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in Webb County.

On September 25, 2025, just after 9 a.m., DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents and DPS Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Malibu near San Luis and Monterrey Street in Laredo. During the stop, investigators identified the driver as 51-year-old Gregorio Denova-Cantu, an illegal immigrant from Mexico.

Further investigation revealed that Denova-Cantu was an aggravated deported felon who had reentered the United States after serving prison time for murder. He is also a confirmed ranking member of the Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos gang.

Records show Denova-Cantu was convicted in 2004 for murder and engaging in organized criminal activity, serving 18 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in Huntsville. After completing his sentence, he was deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in 2023.

Denova-Cantu was turned over to ICE/ERO custody following his arrest.