Federal Fugitive Arrested by Hidalgo Deputies and Alton Police Officers

Mission, Texas ─ Deputies from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Alton Police Department arrested a man who escaped from federal custody on April 4.

Wednesday morning, Hidalgo County Deputies were on patrol when they spotted the man and attempted to talk to him. As the man saw deputies approaching, he fled on foot. With the assistance of officers from the Alton Police Department, Hidalgo County Deputies arrested him a short time later.

The man was interviewed by agents at the scene and admitted to being in the country illegally. He was taken to the McAllen Border Patrol Station for processing where records checks revealed him to be Victor Arriaga-Chavez--the person who had escaped from federal custody as he was waiting to be arraigned on alien smuggling charges. Victor Arriaga-Chavez is expected to face federal escape charges and deportation.

“Thanks to our law enforcement partners who encountered this fugitive and brought him to justice,” said Chief Patrol Agent Rosendo Hinojosa. “As we work together with our public safety partners and community leaders we will continue to succeed in making our communities safer.”

To report suspicious activity, call the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector’s toll-free telephone number at (800) 863-9382.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.