U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry have apprehended a local man wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for an alleged sex offense involving a child. The arrest occurred on January 23, when CBP officers at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge referred pedestrian Juan Geronimo Hernandez, 35, a U.S. citizen, for secondary inspection.
Port Director Albert Flores of the Laredo Port of Entry stated, "Our frontline officers continue to uphold our border security mission and demonstrated that through a recent apprehension of a man wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for a sex-related offense involving a child." He added that such apprehensions illustrate CBP's commitment to community safety.
During the secondary examination, officers used biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases to confirm Hernandez's identity. They discovered he was subject to an outstanding felony arrest warrant issued by Webb County Sheriff's Office for failure to appear on an original charge of indecency with a child. Hernandez was subsequently transported to Webb County jail for adjudication.
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) plays a crucial role in sharing information among law enforcement agencies, including details about outstanding warrants. CBP officers have previously arrested individuals wanted for various offenses based on NCIC data. It is important to note that criminal charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For updates and more information from CBP’s Laredo Field Office, follow them on social media platforms like X and Instagram under @DFOLaredo or @CBPSouthTexas.
CBP remains America's largest law enforcement organization dedicated to protecting national borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade. The agency emphasizes enhancing national security through innovation and collaboration.
