Criminal Convicted, Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison

Tucson, Ariz-.A 42-year-old man from Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico, apprehended by Douglas Station Border Patrol agents in March 2011 near Douglas, was recently sentenced to 51 months of confinement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Manuel Muñoz-Viramontes following his 2011 apprehension for attempting to illegally re-enter the United States. During processing at the Douglas Station, agents using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System learned Muñoz-Viramontes was convicted in Maricopa County in 2010 for felony attempted aggravated assault.

Following the Border Patrol’s initial processing, the case was submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for re-entry of a felon. Muñoz-Viramontes 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

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.