MS-13 gang member arrested near Highway 86 checkpoint

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- A dangerous gang member was arrested last week after illegally crossing the United States, says U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

CBP says the incident happened last Friday approximately around 11:45 p.m. Agents assigned to the Indio Station observed a vehicle making a u-turn before approaching the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint. 

As agents conducted a vehicle stop, it determined the driver, a United States citizen man was attempting to smuggle seven undocumented immigrants.  All individuals were arrested and transported to the checkpoint for immigration and criminal history screening.

After agents conducted records checks, it revealed one of the men, a 33-year-old Mexican national, is a documented Mara Salvatrucha MS-13 gang member with a criminal history. 

The 33-year-old is being held in federal custody for criminal prosecution.