BANGOR, Maine - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a previously deported Guatemalan National in Bangor. The man now faces felony charges for illegal re-entry after deportation under U.S. Code.
On the evening of September 19, Houlton Station Border Patrol agents encountered the Guatemalan man, identified as Mateo Carmelo-Bartolo, in Bangor. The agents determined Carmelo-Bartolo was illegally present in the United States. Carmelo-Bartolo was taken into custody and transported to Houlton, Maine for processing.
Carmelo-Bartolo’s immigration history revealed two previous deportations consisting of one from Laredo, Texas in 2007 and the second from Phoenix, Arizona in 2010. In 2013, the subject again illegally re-entered the United States through an area near Rio Bravo, Texas and admitted this to agents.
“Re-entry after deportation is a serious violation of our laws,” said Jason Owens, Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol in Maine. “Identifying and removing those who knowingly and repeatedly violate our immigration laws is one of our top priorities.”
“We are first and foremost public servants. Our agents have a duty to the public to enforce the laws of this country and that includes identifying and removing those who have no right to be or remain in the United States,” said Chief Owens.
The Border Patrol in Maine relies on the cooperation and assistance of the public. Anyone wishing to make a confidential report of suspicious activity may call (800) 851-8727 to contact the United States Border Patrol in Maine.
Individuals referred for criminal prosecution are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.