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CBP Officers in Fort Lauderdale Arrest Man Wanted for Sexual Activity with a Child

Release Date
Thu, 03/10/2016

MIAMI — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) arrested a man Tuesday wanted for sexual activity with a child.

CBP officers working at the airport encountered Patricio Gonzalez, 56, arriving on a flight from Ecuador. During the inspection process, CBP officers determined that the man an outstanding warrant for sexual activity with a child and lewd or lascivious molestation issued out of West Palm Beach, Florida.CBP provides security and supports travel or trade through 328 ports of entry throughout the country.

The individual, a citizen of Ecuador, was subsequently arrested by CBP officers and turned over to the Broward County Sheriff's Office for extradition.

“Keeping these wanted criminals off our streets is a priority for CBP,” said Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Port Director Jorge Roig. “It's of the utmost importance when the subject is wanted for such particularly hideous charges.”

CBP officers are highly trained and experienced in law enforcement and inspection techniques used at ports of entry throughout the United States. Each year, CBP intercept tens of thousands of wanted subjects, ensuring the safety of the population in the United States by preventing wanted persons from entering the country.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community and the public can report illegal activity by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378).

Travelers are encouraged to visit CBP’s Travel section to learn rules governing travel to and from the U.S.

In Florida, CBP facilitates travel and trade and secures over 1,200 miles of the coastal border. Find out more and get real-time updates at @CBPFlorida on Twitter.

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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021