Executive Director Rebekah Salazar, Privacy and Diversity Office | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Progreso International Bridge have apprehended a man wanted for online solicitation of a minor. The arrest took place on Tuesday, November 5th. The individual, Rene Morales, 61, a U.S. citizen from Santa Maria, Texas, was identified during a secondary inspection using federal law enforcement databases and biometric verification.
Morales was subject to an outstanding felony warrant issued by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office in San Antonio, Texas. After his identification and confirmation of the warrant, Morales was handed over to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for further legal proceedings.
Port Director Walter Weaver emphasized the importance of such apprehensions: "CBP officers continue to work diligently to screen all travelers they encounter entering the country to keep our communities safe. This apprehension underlines that commitment as we continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners officers to bring fugitives of heinous crimes to justice.”
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) played a crucial role in this process. NCIC is an automated database used by law enforcement agencies to share information on outstanding warrants for various offenses. According to CBP officials, past arrests based on NCIC data have involved charges such as homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion.
It is important to note that criminal charges are merely allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
For updates on breaking news and events related to CBP activities in South Texas and other areas under its jurisdiction, follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X at @DFOLaredo and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPSouthTexas.
CBP stands as America's frontline defense with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding national security through various means including innovation and collaboration.
