Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan P. Miller, Air and Marine Operations | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP's Air and Marine Operations (AMO) arrested a convicted murderer on January 24 during an attempt to smuggle individuals off the Southern California coast. The incident occurred when AMO Marine Interdiction Agents intercepted a 20-foot vessel about six miles west of Solana Beach, California.
Agents boarded the vessel and found six Mexican nationals who were trying to enter the United States illegally. The vessel was seized, and the individuals were taken into custody for processing at the Chula Vista Border Patrol Station. During this process, one of the individuals was identified as Alejandro Arellano-Mejia, a previously deported felon who had served a 15-year sentence for murder.
Arellano-Mejia faces charges under 18 USC 1326 (Reentry after Formal Removal), which is a felony offense. "Our agents patrol tirelessly day and night to prevent serious criminal aliens from making it to our shores," stated Jeremy Varhola, Assistant Director of Marine Operations.
Executive Assistant Commissioner Jonathan P. Miller, Air and Marine Operations
| U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The CBP consists of over 65,000 personnel who protect America on land, air, and sea while facilitating safe travel and trade to ensure economic prosperity. They aim to enhance national security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
