Former U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte told The Post that it was very likely that Tren de Aragua members enrolled in American schools.

“It brings back memories of how the cartels like to operate and use students to drive trucks across the border. And the reason they do that is they’re telling these kids, ‘Look, you’re going to get caught, but nothing’s going to happen.’ You’re going to get a slap on the wrist, which is pretty true,” Almonte said.

Multiple sources working in homeland security confirmed that recruiting “at-risk” children is a priority for Tren de Aragua – whose members can lure students with money and the promise of little consequence if they are arrested.

“They are looking for vulnerable young men and women who want to prove themselves to someone. I hate to say it, but usually they are fatherless families,” said a source.

Texas authorities arrested Cova after learning he lived in the Houston area, was suspected of ties to Tren de Aragua and had a warrant for theft out of Pearland, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Cova was also noted to have Tren de Aragua’s signature tattoos: a five-pointed crown, a clock typically indicating time spent in prison, and roses.

Cova had previously told authorities that he was imprisoned for a time in Venezuela, where he was also charged with theft, according to sources.

But this wasn’t Cova’s first rodeo.

Cova had his first encounter with U.S. law enforcement at the border in Eagle Pass, Texas, in July 2022, when he crossed the border with three children and a woman he said was his wife. He was released under the supervision of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but failed to comply with their orders and did not appear at his subsequent asylum interview.

From there, he began his theft spree through Houston, Dallas and Arizona, where law enforcement said he led a group of 10 TdA gangbangers who stole thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise from luxury stores.

Pictures and videos showed the force with drugs, automatic firearms and stacks of cash.

In July 2023, Houston police officers arrested Cova on grand theft charges, but he was released the next day after posting $1,000 bail.

In April of this year, Cova was arrested for two separate thefts, including one in which he allegedly led a group that included a child to steal $3,600 worth of perfume from an Ulta Beauty store in Arizona . The charges were eventually dropped.

The following month, Cova was arrested for shoplifting, but the charges were again dropped.