Convicted Felon Sent Back to Prison-Tucson Sector

Tucson, Ariz. – A 24-year-old man from Managua, Nicaragua, apprehended by Casa Grande Station Border Patrol agents in August 2011 near South Komelik, Ariz., was sentenced to 51 months of confinement last week.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Jose Manuel Lopez following his 2011 apprehension for attempting to illegally re-enter the United States. During processing at the Casa Grande Station, agents using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) learned Lopez was convicted in Los Angeles County in 2011 for felony assault with force likely to inflict great bodily injury.

Following the Border Patrol’s initial processing, the case was submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for re-entry of a felon. Lopez will be formally removed from the U.S. following his 51-month incarceration and is now banned for life from all legalization processes. 

All illegal immigrants apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using IAFIS. This vital tool accesses criminal records throughout the United States, enabling agents to quickly identify violent criminals and wanted persons.

As part of a targeted enforcement strategy, the Tucson Sector places individuals into impact programs designed to influence their decision not to commit a subsequent illegal entry. One impact program involves individuals with prior criminal convictions being prosecuted in federal court.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity and remain anonymous by calling the Border Patrol at (877) 872-7435 toll free.

All CBP assets in Arizona were realigned under a unified command structure in February 2011. Joint Field Command – Arizona unifies the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, to enhance border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to meet Arizona’s unique challenges. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the site for more information.

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.