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  4. Convicted Sex Offender Arrested by Border Patrol Agents

Convicted Sex Offender Arrested by Border Patrol Agents

Release Date
Mon, 09/27/2021

CALEXICO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector arrested an undocumented individual convicted of a sexual offense Sunday evening.  

The incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m., agents apprehended an undocumented individual after illegally entering the United States in the desert area east of the city of Calexico. The individual was transported to the El Centro Sector Processing Center.

Records checks revealed that Leonel Ortiz-Reza, a 42-year-old Mexican national, was convicted and served 365 days in jail for attempting unlawful sexual activity with a minor, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has additional convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol, where he served 60 days in jail. Ortiz-Reza has also been previously removed back to Mexico.

U.S. Border Patrol agents will process Ortiz-Reza accordingly.

In fiscal year 2021, which began Oct. 1, 2020, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested and/or removed 41 individuals either convicted or wanted on sexual offense charges.

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: Sep 27, 2021