U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry have apprehended a man wanted on an outstanding felony warrant related to a sex offense against a child.

Port Director Liliana Flores commented on the arrest, stating, “This apprehension of a man with an outstanding felony warrant for an alleged sex crime involving a child demonstrates the resolve of our frontline officers to uphold our priority border security mission.” She emphasized that such apprehensions contribute to community safety.

The incident occurred on November 17, 2024, when CBP officers at the Del Rio International Bridge directed Fernando Solano Vidales, a 23-year-old Mexican citizen, for secondary inspection. During this process, officers confirmed his identity using biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases. They discovered that Solano Vidales was wanted for sexual abuse of a child–lewd act upon a child by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office in Salinas, California. He was subsequently transported by the Del Rio Police Department to Val Verde Correctional Facility for further legal proceedings.

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is instrumental in these operations as it serves as a centralized automated database that allows law enforcement agencies to share information about outstanding warrants for various offenses. Through NCIC data, CBP officers have previously arrested individuals wanted for serious crimes including homicide and narcotics distribution.

It is important to note that criminal charges are allegations until proven in court; defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty.

For updates from CBP's Laredo Field Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection South Texas, follow their social media accounts on X and Instagram.

CBP stands as America's largest law enforcement organization dedicated to protecting national borders through innovation and collaboration while facilitating lawful travel and trade.