DPS Captures Confirmed MS-13 Gang Member in Hidalgo County

WESLACO, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) apprehended a confirmed Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member and deported felon during Operation Lone Star in Hidalgo County last week.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2025, just after 7:00 a.m., DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents, working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), identified a possible MS-13 member driving a gray Ford pickup in South Hidalgo County.

A DPS Trooper conducted a traffic stop along Las Milpas Road in Pharr. The driver, Salvador Mata-Hernandez, 41, of Tamaulipas, Mexico, was confirmed as an MS-13 gang member with a long criminal history, including assault and multiple federal violations for illegal entry dating back to 2000, most recently in 2012.

Mata-Hernandez was turned over to ICE/ERO for further action.