U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Hidalgo Port of Entry have apprehended a fugitive sought for an alleged aggravated sexual assault of a child. The detained individual, a 55-year-old U.S. citizen named Roger Lee Chapa, was found to have an outstanding felony warrant issued by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office in Edinburg, Texas.
The arrest was made on April 14 at the Hidalgo International Bridge. Chapa was applying for entry when officers, during a secondary inspection, confirmed the warrant using biometric verification through law enforcement databases. Port Director Carlos Rodriguez stated, “Our officers remain vigilant in identifying and intercepting individuals who pose a threat to our communities.” He added, “Apprehending a wanted person for aggravated sexual assault of a child underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.”
Chapa was handed over to the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office to await criminal proceedings. It was noted that criminal charges are merely allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
CBP officers utilize the National Crime Information Center, an automated database that facilitates the sharing of information, including outstanding warrants, among law enforcement agencies. The database has helped in the arrest of individuals wanted for various offenses, including homicide, escape, and narcotics distribution.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is described as the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency, with over 65,000 employees dedicated to protecting the country’s borders and facilitating lawful travel and trade.
For updates and stories, follow the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office on X and Instagram, and also U.S. Customs and Border Protection on their social media channels.