Agents arrest a sex offender and armed smugglers over Memorial Weekend

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA KECY) - U.S. Border agents in the Imperial Valley arrested a previously convicted sex offender and two women in an armed human smuggling attempt.

Agents say these arrests were made over two separate events over Memorial Weekend.

The first incident took place Saturday afternoon, when an agent came across a man about 17.5 miles west of the Calexico West Port of Entry.

Agents say an immigration check revealed the man was from Mexico and was attempting to enter the US illegally. Agents then sent the man to the El Centro station for further processing.

There, it was revealed he had previously been convicted for "Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child" out of Santa Clara in 2007. Records say he was sentenced to one year of incarceration for this conviction.

While not revealing the man's identity, agents say he also has an extensive criminal record, including two prior removals from the US.

Agents say the 45-year-old will be held in federal custody pending prosecution.

The El Centro Sector Border Patrol says it has arrested or removed 36 individuals convicted or wanted on sexual offense charges upon illegal entry this fiscal year alone.

Second Memorial Weekend incident

Agents say a grey Hyundai Sonata tried to cross the Highway 86 checkpoint near Salton City.

An agent sent the vehicle to secondary inspection. There, agents discovered two immigrants who had entered the US illegally in the back seat.

Agents say they also discovered a loaded handgun on the passenger's waistband.

The driver and passenger, both adult United States citizen women, were presented for 8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling.

Agents say the two Mexican adult men will remain under federal custody pending an order of removal.