MIAMI — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a violent gang member with a criminal history during an immigration inspection at a Fort Lauderdale bus station on Feb 21.
U.S. Border Patrol agents identified a suspicious passenger while conducting inspections and found that the man was from Honduras and not in possession of valid immigration documents. Agents determined that the individual was an 18th street gang member and in the United States illegally.
information and assistance from the
community.
All persons apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to positively identify illegal immigrants with criminal histories.
U.S. Border Patrol agents routinely conduct law enforcement activities at transportation hubs as part of a layered approach to prevent those in the country illegally from traveling further into the United States. These operations are conducted at strategic locations that serve as conduits for human and narcotic smuggling and disrupt criminal organizations from further exploiting this mode of transportation. Enforcement operations at transportation hubs serve as a vital component of the U.S. Border Patrol’s national security efforts.
"U.S. Border Patrol in Florida maintains a high level of vigilance and targets dangerous gang members in the country illegally as part of efforts to keep Americans safe,” said U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector Acting Division Chief Peter Daniel. “The Border Patrol’s primary goal is to stop all threats that attempt to gain entry into the United States where they may target and harm American citizens and we’ll continue to combat transnational gangs and criminal organizations."
U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to enforce immigration laws while working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of border communities throughout Florida. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics, approximately 300 gang members have been arrested across the United States this fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2017.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes information and assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol by calling (toll free) 1-877-872-7435. All calls will remain confidential and anonymous.
Follow @CBPFlorida on Twitter for news and information updates from U.S. Border Patrol and download stock footage and imagery via the DVIDS - Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System.