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Yuma Sector Arrests Gang Member from El Salvador

Release Date
Mon, 05/13/2019

YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested an 18th Street gang member from El Salvador along with six illegal aliens from Mexico and Honduras Saturday, morning south of Dateland.

Wellton Station agents discovered evidence of foot traffic near the international border south of Dateland Saturday morning. After an extensive search, agents located seven adults hiding in brush approximately five miles southeast of the Yuma Sector Border Patrol Forward Operating Base, Camp Desert Grip. The seven men were from El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico.

During processing, agents identified one of the illegal aliens as Santos Sorto-Sorto, a 34-year-old 18th Street gang member from El Salvador. He has multiple felony convictions for possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, unlawful possession of a weapon, and disorderly conduct out of New Jersey. He stated that he was attempting to travel to Houston, Texas to live and work.

All seven illegal aliens were processed for immigration violations.

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