Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Illegal Alien Later Identified as Suspected Criminal

Records Check Revealed Subject Wanted for Murder in Texas

Tucson, Ariz. – Yesterday, Border Patrol agents from the Casa Grande Station apprehended a man from Honduras who was illegally present in the U.S. and wanted in Texas for homicide.

The encounter occurred near North Komelik, Ariz., where agents located the man after a branch struck him in the face and lodged in his eye. After agents transported him to a local hospital for treatment, he was taken to the Casa Grande Station for processing. A records check revealed the subject had an extraditable warrant from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Houston, Texas. In addition, record checks also indicated he was affiliated with the violent Mara Salvatrucha 13 street gang. The subject was turned over to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office for extradition.

All illegal aliens apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. IAFIS accesses criminal records throughout the U.S., thereby assisting agents to identify violent criminals and wanted persons quickly.

IAFIS is a critical tool in the Border Patrol’s mission of protecting America and ensuring offenders are brought to an appropriate law enforcement resolution.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure and safe border environment; improving the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

The Border Patrol welcomes assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling toll free (1-877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

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.