HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested Fidel Ortiz Serna, a Mexican national lawful permanent resident (LPR) from Louisiana after discovering he had an outstanding arrest warrant from the Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office for sexual assault charges filed in 2016.
“Our officers detected this fugitive wanted on sexual assault charges who had been on the run for a few years,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “This capture can hopefully bring closure to this case and those affected by the alleged actions.”
of entry.
On May 10, 2021, Mr. Ortiz, the 58-year-old LPR arrived at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge pedestrian walkway from Mexico and an initial computer check revealed that he was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Officers quickly secured him and escorted him to secondary to continue with the inspection where biometric verification using law enforcement and CBP databases confirmed his identity along with the outstanding arrest warrant from the Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Ortiz was charged with one felony count of carnal knowledge of a juvenile for alleged actions that occurred in Chalmette, Louisiana in 2007 while the victim was 15-years old.
CBP OFO arrested Ortiz subsequently turning him over to local authorities who transported him to the Hidalgo County jail where he will await extradition procedures.
Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty
Visit CBP’s website for more information on the Immigration Inspection Program.