SANTA TERESA, N.M. – Vigilance was on full display by U.S. Border Patrol agents working near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, that led to the arrest of an alleged sex offender.  

On Thursday, Santa Teresa Border Patrol Agents working west of the Santa Teresa Port of Entry discovered indications of a possible illegal entry. Agents on foot and on ATV’s began to track the possible illegal entrants, and were able to catch up to the suspects, in spite of their attempts to conceal their efforts. The illegal crossers used sponges on their feet in an attempt to hide their footprints but those efforts were in vain. A total of eight suspects were taken into custody and transported to the station for identification and processing.

Once at the station, agents were able to positively identify one of the subjects arrested as 38-year-old Ivan Isaias Rivera Ibarra, a Mexican National who had previously been removed for illegal entry into the United States. The subject was found to have an active warrant out of Idaho for an alleged charge of Sex Offense of Fondling a Child. Agents contacted the Nampa Idaho Police Department to verify the warrant and subject is currently being held pending extradition.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509 toll-free. 

It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @USBPChiefEPT and @CBPWestTexas.