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Two Previously Deported Gang Members Arrested By Border Patrol

Release Date
Mon, 09/23/2019

CALEXICO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector arrested a Sureño gang member as well as a Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member over the weekend.

The first arrest occurred on Saturday, at approximately 10 p.m., when Border Patrol agents on patrol observed a man illegally enter the United States about three miles west of the Calexico Port of Entry. 

Agents arrested the man and transported him to the El Centro Station for processing.

At the station, record checks revealed the man, a 42-year-old Mexican national, was previously charged and convicted for the transport and sale of illegal narcotics.  The man received a 12 month prison sentence and five years probation in California for his crimes.  The man also self-admitted to being a member of the notorious Sureños gang with affiliations to the Florencia 13 gang.

Additionally, the man was previously ordered removed from the United States on multiple occasions, the most recent being on January 13, 2007.

The second event occurred on Sunday, at approximately 11:40 a.m., when Border Patrol agents on patrol observed a man illegally enter the United States 12 miles east of the Calexico Port of Entry.  This area is commonly used by smuggling organizations due to the harsh terrain and short distance to the highway.

Agents arrested the man and transported him to the El Centro station for processing.

At the station, record checks revealed that the man, a 20-year-old citizen and national of El Salvador, was also previous removed from the United States on multiple occasions, the most recent being on August 15, 2018.  Furthermore, he is identified as an active member of the MS-13 criminal gang. 

“The Sureños and MS-13 are amongst the most dangerous and organized gangs out there today,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Ryan J. Scudder.  “Fortunately our agents were able to apprehend these gang members safely without further incident.”

Both men are in federal custody pending prosecution for Re-Entry-After-Removal.

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 03, 2021