U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry detained a woman wanted in North Texas for alleged child sexual assault. The apprehension took place on June 28 at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge.
Port Director Albert Flores stated, "Our frontline officers maintain strict vigilance when screening arriving travelers and that mission dedication this time resulted in the apprehension of a woman wanted in connection with a sex crime involving a child." He added that such apprehensions exemplify CBP's commitment to border security work that contributes to community safety.
The detainee, Maria Carmean Chavez Barrajas, a 44-year-old U.S. citizen, was referred for secondary inspection by CBP officers. Biometric verification confirmed she had an outstanding felony warrant for sexual assault of a child and continuous sexual abuse of a child issued by the Navarro County Sheriff’s Office in Corsicana, Texas. She was subsequently transported to Webb County Jail for adjudication.
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) serves as an automated database for law enforcement agencies to share information on various offenses, including outstanding warrants. According to NCIC data, CBP officers have previously arrested individuals wanted for crimes such as homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion. It is important to note that criminal charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
For updates from the Director of CBP’s Laredo Field Office or U.S. Customs and Border Protection South Texas region follow their social media accounts on X and Instagram.
CBP is recognized as America's largest law enforcement organization and operates as the world's first unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel working across various terrains to ensure national security through innovation and collaboration while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
