TUCSON, Ariz. – Brian A. Terry Station Border Patrol agents apprehended a Sureño 13 gang member after he illegally re-entered the country Friday.
Eloy Flores-Balbuena, a 36-year-old Mexican national was arrested by agents patrolling near Naco. During processing, agents discovered Flores had multiple removals from the United States, in addition to a 2013 felony conviction of battery in Liberty, Illinois, a crime for which he was sentenced to 176 days imprisonment and 12 months’ probation.
Flores will remain in federal custody pending prosecution for criminal immigration violations involving illegal re-entry of previously removed alien.
All persons apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure illegal aliens with criminal histories are positively identified.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.