Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  1. Home
  2. Newsroom
  3. Local Media Release
  4. CBP officers apprehend fugitive wanted for child fondling at Hidalgo International Bridge

CBP officers apprehend fugitive wanted for child fondling at Hidalgo International Bridge

Release Date
Fri, 06/07/2024

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Juan Manuel Pinon, a male U.S. citizen from Edinburg, Texas wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for child molestation.  

“CBP screens all travelers entering the United States. We are committed to bringing in those individuals to face criminal charges, especially those wanted for heinous crimes against children,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry.
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry.

On June 6, 2024, 51-year-old Juan Manuel Pinon, a U.S. citizen, arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering he was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, CBP officers, utilizing biometric verification, confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant from Starr County Sheriff’s Office. Pinon has been wanted since May and is being charged with child molestation and child fondling, a first-degree felony in the State of Texas. 

A Hidalgo police officer arrived to take custody of Pinon to arrange transport with Starr County.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Visit CBP’s website for more information on the Immigration Inspection Program.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X at @DFOLaredo and also U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPSouthTexas for breaking news, current events, human interest stories and photos.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

Last Modified: Jun 07, 2024