SAN YSIDRO, CALIF.—U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested an armed Mexican national on Tuesday approximately 3 miles west of the San Ysidro port of entry who had entered the U.S. illegally.

At approximately 2 p.m., agents patrolling the border observed a man wearing an orange construction vest. The man was walking between the two fences that mark the U.S./Mexico International Boundary. Agents approached the man and questioned him; he had no proof of identification and a search revealed a razor-blade knife, a loaded 40-caliber Smith and Wesson handgun, and 38 rounds of ammunition.

Agents transported the man to a nearby station and a records check revealed that the 47-year-old Mexican national was illegally present in the U.S. He had previous convictions in the U.S. for carrying a concealed weapon, transporting narcotics, and arson. The man was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for Federal prosecution.

This is a reminder of the dangers agents face daily. Assaults against agents in the San Diego Sector have increased more than 70 percent from 77 assaults in fiscal year 2011 to 133 assaults in fiscal year 2012. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.