Border Agents Arrest Known Gang Member Trying to Re-enter U.S. After Deportation

DEL RIO, TX – U.S Border Agents arrested a member of the 18th Street Gang on November 19th. The 18th Street Gang is considered a transnational criminal organization.

Carlos Omar Monterosa-Portillo, 34, from El Salvador, has an extensive criminal history, including a 2009 conviction, in Baltimore, for possession of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure.  He had been deported multiple times, most recently in 2015. Monterosa-Portillo was apprehended after agents performing train check operations in Uvalde discovered evidence of foot traffic that led to the apprehension of six suspected illegal immigrants.

Monterosa-Portillo faces prosecution under 8 USC § 1326 – reentry after deportation, a felony which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. All individuals arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure those with a criminal history or gang affiliation are positively identified.

“Transnational Criminal Organizations are looking for any way they can to penetrate the United States,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Fortunately, in this case, our agents were able to apprehend this gang member safely without further incident.”