Border Patrol agents arrest man with extensive criminal background

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a registered sex offender and convicted felon on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m., when agents assigned to Calexico Border Patrol station observed an individual make an illegal entry by climbing over the international boundary fence close to Andrade Avenue, near the Calexico Port of Entry.

Agents approached the individual and placed him under arrest.

The man was transported to the Calexico station where records checks revealed he has an extensive criminal history that dates back to 2010 when he was arrested at the Calexico port of entry with more than a pound of methamphetamine strapped to his leg.

In July 2012, the man was convicted of smuggling contraband into a prison and was consequently sentenced to 5-years probation.

He was arrested again in June of 2017 for alien smuggling in Calexico, resulting in a probation violation.

The record checks also showed that the man is a registered sex offender with an active warrant out of Phoenix, Arizona for a violation of probation.

“This individual likely knew he had a warrant for his arrest and feared he’d be arrested at the Port of Entry in Calexico, so he chose to make an illegal entry,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Border Patrol agents protect our country at places in between the ports of entry.”

The man, a 27-year-old United States citizen will be held awaiting extradition by the U.S. Marshal Service.

The El Centro Sector Border Patrol would like to remind the public that U.S. citizens entering the country must present themselves at a designated port of entry. An unlawful entry by a U.S. citizen will result in arrest. Penalties for unlawful entry can include up to a $5,000 fine and/or up to one year in prison.