Border Patrol Agents Arrest Gang Member and a Wanted Fugitive

EDINBURG, TX – U.S. Border Patrol agents identify a gang member and a wanted child molester Thursday after an arrest in the Rio Grande Valley.

Yesterday afternoon, Rio Grande Valley Sector agents working near McCook, TX arrested a Salvadoran national whose record checks revealed he is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang. The man’s criminal history includes possession of a controlled substance.

This morning, Falfurrias agents working on Brooks County ranch lands observed several subjects walking north attempting to circumvent the immigration checkpoint. As agents approached them, multiple subjects fled in an effort to avoid arrest. A thorough search of the dense brush led to the arrest of nine illegal aliens. During processing, record checks for a Guatemalan national revealed an outstanding warrant for child molestation in the state of Indiana.

Border Patrol processed both subjects accordingly.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

Even with the spread of the COVID-19 virus, human smugglers continue to try these brazen attempts with zero regard for the lives they endanger nor to the health of the citizens of our great nation.  The U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Rio Grande Valley Sector will continue to safeguard the nation and community against these criminal elements.