U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Progreso Port of Entry apprehended two individuals with outstanding felony warrants for sex-related offenses during a busy Spring break weekend, according to a Mar. 24 announcement.
The arrests highlight the role of border security in identifying and detaining individuals wanted for serious crimes as they attempt to cross into the United States.
Port Director Michael Martinez said, "In less than 48 hours and facing significant flows of Spring break traffic, our frontline CBP officers detained two individuals wanted on outstanding felony warrants for sex-related offenses." Martinez also said, "Apprehensions of individuals wanted on warrants for crimes of a sexual nature are among the most heinous types of offenses we encounter and perfectly illustrate the vital border security aspect of our mission.”
On March 13, Raul Ramos Perez, an 87-year-old U.S. citizen traveling as a vehicle passenger at Donna International Bridge, was referred for secondary inspection. Officers used biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases to confirm his identity and discovered he was subject to an active felony warrant for sexual abuse of a child issued by Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. Ramos Perez was turned over to Donna police officers.
The following day at Progreso International Bridge, Vicente Reyes Guzman, a 42-year-old lawful permanent resident pedestrian, was also referred for secondary inspection. Officers verified his identity using similar methods and found an active felony warrant issued by Magistrate Court in Burlington, Iowa for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor. Reyes Guzman was turned over to Hidalgo County sheriff’s deputies.
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is used by law enforcement agencies nationwide to share information about outstanding warrants covering various offenses including homicide, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny and military desertion. The agency noted that criminal charges are allegations until proven guilty in court.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America's largest law enforcement organization responsible for enforcing safe travel and trade while enhancing national security.
