U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge have apprehended Juan Carlos Avila, a U.S. citizen residing in Campeche, Mexico. Avila was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault on a child.
"CBP screens all travelers entering the United States. We are committed to bringing in those individuals to face criminal charges, especially those wanted for heinous crimes against children," stated Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
On January 11, 2025, 61-year-old Avila arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge. A CBP officer identified him as a potential match to an arrest warrant. In secondary inspection, officers confirmed his identity using biometric verification and verified the active arrest warrant from Harris County Sheriff's Office. Avila has been sought since June 2009 and faces charges of aggravated sexual assault on a child under 14 years of age, classified as a first-degree felony in Texas.
A Hidalgo police officer took custody of Avila and transported him to the Hidalgo County jail pending extradition to Harris County.
It is important to note that criminal charges are merely allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For more information on the Immigration Inspection Program, visit CBP’s website.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's frontline: it is the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting America across various domains while facilitating safe travel and trade.
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