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  4. New Mexico Immigration Checkpoints Capture Two Dangerous Criminal Aliens

New Mexico Immigration Checkpoints Capture Two Dangerous Criminal Aliens

Release Date
Fri, 08/30/2019

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – This week, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the checkpoint north of Las Cruces, New Mexico, arrested two dangerous criminals being smuggled further into the U.S.

On Wednesday, Border Patrol agents from the checkpoint near Las Cruces thwarted a smuggling attempt of illegal aliens. During processing, records checks revealed that one adult male was a registered sex offender. In April 2019, the subject had been sentenced to 29 months incarceration and 30 months supervised probation for sex offenses committed against his 14 year-old stepchild in North Carolina. Based on that conviction, ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) subsequently deported him to Mexico.

In a separate incident early Thursday morning, Border Patrol agents apprehended an individual attempting to circumvent the same checkpoint. When questioned, the subject freely admitted that he was a Mexican National in the United States illegally. A records check showed that he had been a Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident in the United States, until he was deported in 2016 after serving an 18-year sentence for armed robbery, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and false imprisonment.

Both subjects will remain in custody pending criminal and immigration prosecution for their prior order of removal and criminally prosecuted for illegal re-entry.

“In the last few days, Border Patrol agents assigned to our Texas and New Mexico immigration checkpoints have excelled at their primary mission of securing our nation’s border and keeping our border communities safe,” said Gloria Chavez, Interim Chief for the Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector.

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 toll-free.

It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered evidence of guilt, and subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPWestTexas.

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: Feb 27, 2024