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Border Patrol Arrests Previously Deported Gang Member

Release Date
Wed, 11/27/2019

CALEXICO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector arrested a gang member on Tuesday night.

 

The arrest occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m., when Border Patrol agents on patrol observed a man illegally enter the United States about 12 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 was identified as Salvador Mercado-Mendez, a 38-year-old Mexican national.  Mercado was previously charged and convicted for participating in criminal street gang.  Mercado received a 10-year prison sentence for using a “firearm in a street gang act” out of Santa Ana, California.

Gang Member Salvador Mercado-Mendez Arrested by Border Patrol
Salvador Mercado-Mendez
arrested by Border Patrol.

 

Additionally, Mercado was previously ordered removed from the United States on multiple occasions.  The most recent being on July 26, 2018.

 

Mercado is being held in federal custody pending further criminal prosecution.

 

All arrested individuals are presumed innocent pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

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