U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry arrested a man wanted on a felony warrant for a sex-related offense, according to an April 16 announcement.
The arrest highlights the role of border security in locating individuals sought for serious crimes and demonstrates how daily inspection work contributes to community safety.
CBP officials said that on April 13, Isaac Frank Perales, age 49 and a U.S. citizen, was referred for secondary inspection while crossing as a pedestrian at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge. Officers used biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases to confirm his identity and found he was subject to an active felony warrant for sexual assault issued by the Rockport Police Department. Perales was taken into custody and transported to Webb County jail pending criminal proceedings.
"Our frontline CBP officers maintained strict vigilance and apprehended a man wanted in connection with a sexual offense," said Port Director Alberto Flores of Laredo Port of Entry. "These are among the most heinous offenses we encounter and apprehensions like these not only illustrate the importance of our border security mission but also demonstrate how CBP’s daily inspectional work helps keep our communities safer."
CBP reports that information from the National Crime Information Center has previously led its officers to arrest individuals wanted for various offenses including homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion. The NCIC is described as an automated database that allows law enforcement agencies nationwide to share information about outstanding warrants across many types of crimes. Authorities note that criminal charges are allegations until proven in court.
CBP encourages those interested in updates or more information about their activities at Laredo Field Office or across South Texas to follow their official social media accounts.
