ANDRADE, CALIF.—A man wanted by the Watsonville Police Department on charges related to attempted murder was recently detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Andrade port of entry.
Jose de Jesus Vargas, a 21-year-old U.S. citizen who resides in Salinas, California, was apprehended at about 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, after he entered the port in a vehicle. A CBP officer, conducting inspections of vehicles and travelers, performed a name check during the interview that led to the discovery of an outstanding arrest warrant.
Officers checked his fingerprints through the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) which confirmed Vargas's identity and the warrant. After CBP officers confirmed that Vargas was the subject of the warrant for attempted murder, he was then placed in the custody of the Imperial County Sheriff's Department and transported to the Imperial County Jail to await extradition to Watsonville, California.
"This apprehension is proof that name checks of travelers against law enforcement databases help to keep communities safe from serious criminals," said Andrade Port Director David Sarrasin. "Apprehending fugitives who have fled from justice is a critical part of our border security mission."