EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the El Paso Sector have arrested an average of three migrants with criminal records per day since Fiscal Year 2022 began.
During the last 7 days, apprehensions included six subjects with criminal sexual contact with a minor, one individual with an active warrant for murder, and convictions for larceny, battery, and sexual assault.
On May 25, at approximately 1:30 a.m., agents assigned to the Las Cruces station encountered a human smuggling scheme near Hatch, New Mexico. One of the five smuggled migrants, a male from Guatemala, was previously convicted of lascivious acts with a child and indecent contact in the state of Iowa.
On the morning of May 26, El Paso Sector Foreign Operations Branch Agents turned over a Mexican citizen to the Chihuahua State Investigations Agency. This individual had an active murder warrant out of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The individual was arrested days before by Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Santa Teresa station, who subsequently verified the active warrant with Interpol in Washington, D.C. and Mexican authorities.
On May 30, agents assigned to the Santa Teresa station arrested a citizen of Mexico, west of the Sunland Park New Mexico landfill. After further investigation, it was revealed that the individual had an active extraditable warrant for criminal sexual contact with a minor under 13 and criminal sexual penetration.
On May 31, agents assigned to the Santa Teresa station arrested another migrant, a citizen of Guatemala, a sexual offender with prior convictions for child abuse, 3rd degree sex offense, 2nd degree assault and perverted practice. All individuals were processed accordingly and will face prosecution, under Title 8 authority, among other possible charges pending extradition.
Since the beginning of the fiscal year 2022, from October to present, Border Patrol agents in the El Paso Sector have encountered more than 658 individuals with previous criminal records and gang affiliations.
“Transnational Criminal Organizations have smuggled hundreds of criminals into our communities who pose a threat to public safety,” said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Dangerous criminals endanger our communities as they often continue to disregard the rule of law. Interdicting convicted felons illegally entering the United States is amongst the most vital duties performed by Border Patrol Agents in the El Paso Sector. Extremely proud of our Border Patrol Agents keeping all of us safe.”
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635- 2509.
Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas.