Calexico, Calif. - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico Station apprehended a member of the Loma Bakers street gang yesterday evening during patrol operation.
At approximately 6:45 p.m., El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a 33-year-old Mexican national who crossed into the United States illegally seven miles east of the Calexico West port of entry. Border Patrol agents later determined that the subject is an active member of the "Loma Bakers," a street gang that is affiliated with the Southern California "Surenos" criminal organization.
Upon further investigation, Border Patrol agents discovered the man had an extensive criminal history having served 16 months in prison for receiving stolen property and another 10 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. The man was released from prison February of 2008 and was deported to Mexico by an immigration judge. The gang member is being processed for criminal prosecution for re-entry after deportation.
The El Centro Sector's Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.
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.