Border Patrol Nabs a Sex Offender and Armed Smugglers Over Memorial Weekend

IMPERIAL, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector arrested a previously convicted sex offender, and two women in an armed human smuggling attempt, in two separate events over the weekend.

The first incident occurred Saturday, at around 3:53 a.m., when an agent encountered a man approximately 17.5 miles west of the Calexico West Port of Entry.  During an immigration check, it was discovered that the man was from Mexico and was attempting to enter the United States illegally.  The man was placed under arrest and transported to the El Centro station for further processing.

At the station, record checks revealed that the man had been previously convicted for “Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child” out of Santa Clara, on July 10, 2007.  He was sentenced to one year of incarceration for his conviction.  Record checks also revealed that the man has an extensive criminal record and two prior removals from the United States.

The 45-year-old man will be held in federal custody pending prosecution for 8 USC 1326 Re-entry of Removed Aliens.

In fiscal year 2020, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested and/or removed 36 individuals either convicted or wanted on sexual offense charges after they entered the United States illegally.

The second incident occurred on Sunday, at around 10:50 p.m., when a gray Hyundai Sonata approached the Highway 86 checkpoint near Salton City.  A Border Patrol agent assigned to primary inspection referred the vehicle to secondary inspection.  While in secondary inspection, agents discovered two illegal aliens in the rear seat of the vehicle.  Agents conducted a search on the driver and passenger, agents discovered a loaded handgun on the passenger’s waistband.

The driver and passenger, both adult United States citizen women, were presented for 8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling. The two Mexican adult men will remain under federal custody pending an order of removal.