U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry have detained a man wanted for an alleged sexual offense involving a child. The arrest took place on August 27 at the Camino Real International Bridge, where officers referred Jose Lopez, a 45-year-old Mexican citizen, for secondary inspection.
After escorting Lopez to secondary inspection, biometric verification through law enforcement databases confirmed he had an outstanding felony warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact. The warrant was issued by the Delta County Sheriff’s Office in Cooper, Texas. Lopez was subsequently turned over to the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office pending criminal proceedings.
Port Director Pete Beattie commented on the apprehension: “Apprehensions involving persons wanted on felony warrants for alleged crimes of a sexual nature involving children underscore the seriousness of the border security aspect of our mission and the need and ability of our officers to remain laser focused as they perform their inspectional duties,” said Beattie. “By assisting fellow law enforcement agencies with apprehensions like these, we help keep our communities safe and ensure that justice is upheld.”
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is used by law enforcement agencies to share information about outstanding warrants and other offenses. According to CBP, information from NCIC has previously led to arrests at ports of entry for various serious crimes including homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion. It is noted that criminal charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
CBP describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization responsible for border management and national security efforts across land, air, and sea.
