Houston Dating App Scandal: Migrants Allegedly Targeting Minors

Three El Salvadorian Nationals Arrested in U.S. for Online Solicitation of Minors

Three individuals from El Salvador, who are currently residing in the United States without legal authorization, have been arrested following an undercover operation targeting online solicitation of minors. The men were accused of attempting to meet underage teens for sexual purposes through a dating app.

The arrests took place in Harris County, Texas, and each suspect is now being held in the local jail. They are all facing charges related to online solicitation of a minor. According to court records, each man believed they were communicating with a teenage girl. In one instance, a suspect thought he was speaking with a 14-year-old.

Undercover Operation Reveals Disturbing Tactics

The Houston Police Department (HPD) confirmed that the three suspects were arrested separately as part of an ongoing undercover operation. While HPD did not explicitly state that the operation targeted undocumented immigrants, the individuals involved are all in the country illegally.

One of the suspects, Carlos Gomez, made a desperate attempt to flee when he realized the person he was meeting was actually an undercover officer. According to court records, Gomez drove at high speed, ran stop signs, and struck a closed gate, causing injury to a pedestrian. He is also charged with failing to stop and render aid after the incident.

Gomez has a history of violent behavior, including a 2015 conviction for assaulting a family member. Additionally, he has a child under the age of 18. His actions have drawn significant attention from local authorities and crime prevention organizations.

The Role of the Dating App

All three suspects reportedly used the same dating platform, called Jaumo, to communicate with what they believed were underage girls. According to Andy Kahan of Crime Stoppers, the app allowed users to message others without needing a match or consent from the other party.

Jaumo functions similarly to other dating apps, allowing users to swipe left or right on profiles to find potential matches. However, it has a unique feature that sets it apart: the ability to send messages without prior approval. This feature has raised concerns about its potential misuse by individuals seeking to exploit minors.

Kahan emphasized that modern technology has become a tool for offenders to target vulnerable youth. "The phone is now a weapon, a tool, an arsenal for offenders like these to get a hold of juvenile victims for sexual offenses," he said.

App’s Policy and Response

Despite the allegations, the Jaumo website claims to have a strict zero-tolerance policy against any activities that could harm children. A section on their site states, "We work proactively with law enforcement to assist in investigations and prosecutions involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of minors."

However, FOX 26 reached out to Jaumo for a response but has yet to receive any official statement. The company has not publicly addressed the specific incidents involving the three suspects.

Immigration Backgrounds of the Suspects

Each of the three suspects has a complex immigration history:

• Carlos Gomez is a 33-year-old from El Salvador who was previously deported in 2020. He reentered the U.S. illegally and was arrested in 2025 for online solicitation of a minor. He also has a criminal record for assault.

• Erick Menjivar is a 30-year-old who entered the U.S. in 2018 and was released after his immigration case was dismissed in 2024. He was arrested again in 2025 for similar charges.

• Abner Ruiz is a 37-year-old who entered the U.S. without legal status. He was arrested in 2025 for online solicitation of a minor and is currently in custody.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Concern

Houston police have confirmed that the operation is still active, and more details may emerge as the investigation progresses. Local officials and community leaders are urging increased vigilance against online predators and the need for stronger safeguards to protect minors.

The case highlights the intersection of immigration issues, online safety, and criminal behavior, raising important questions about how such platforms can be better regulated to prevent abuse.