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Border Patrol Agents Arrest Mexican Mafia Gang Member

Release Date
Tue, 04/16/2019

EL CENTRO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector arrested an 18th Street gang member affiliated with the Mexican Mafia Monday evening.

 

At approximately 7:10 p.m., Border Patrol agents were on patrol when they observed a man illegally enter the United States about nine miles west of the Calexico port of entry.

 

Agents arrested the man and transported him to the El Centro Station for processing.

 

At the station, record checks revealed the man had been convicted for Obstruction or Retaliation and confined to three years in prison.  The man also self-admitted to being an active member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, going by the moniker “La Bestia,” (The Beast).

 

Additionally, the man was previously removed from the United States in 2013.

 

“The continued vigilance of our agents led to the apprehension of this criminal,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim. “This dangerous man is off our streets and no longer a danger to the members of our community.”

 

The man, a 29-year-old Mexican national, is in federal custody pending prosecution for federal crimes.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021