Border Patrol agents apprehend wanted gang member

Border Patrol agents apprehended a Southside Players gang member Thursday night west of Calexico.

Agents encountered the man about 20 miles west of the Calexico Port of Entry with a group of men suspected of entering the United States illegally.

Record checks identified the man as 27-year-old Leonardo Garcia-Pena, a Mexican national with two outstanding warrants with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The first warrant was for Property Damage and Vandalism, and the other for Homicide/Murder. Authorities also discovered Garcia is a member of the Southside Players gang from the Los Angeles area.

“Our agents encountered and arrested this gang member who will now have to stand and answer for the crimes for which he is accused,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim. “Cooperation by our state and local law enforcement partners will be imperative to ensure this dangerous gang member does not get released back into our communities at the conclusion of this individual’s legal process.”

Garcia is in custody pending extradition to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.