ANZALDUAS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Anzalduas International Bridge recently arrested a man who had allegedly assumed the identity of a United States citizen for over 30 years.
“This interception of someone claiming to be a U.S. citizen and reaping benefits not entitled to them is a prime example of CBP’s intelligence-gathering capabilities and inspections experience,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “People need to realize that committing immigration violations do carry serious consequences and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Hidalgo International Bridge.
CBP officers at the Anzalduas-Reynosa International Bridge encountered a 57-year-old man arriving from Mexico with his wife and referred them for further inspection. The man presented a Texas driver’s license, claiming U.S. citizenship and the woman presented her legal permanent resident card. In secondary and with biometric verification through CBP databases, officers confirmed the identity of the female and discovered the true identity of the male traveler to be of a Mexican citizen. Officers also discovered a U.S. birth certificate and social security card, which did not belong to him, and further examination and investigation revealed that the assumed identity had allegedly been used for more than 30 years.
In separate, unrelated incidents, CBP officers also arrest a 25-year-old woman and 37-year-old man claiming to be U.S. citizens by presenting valid documents that did not belong to them.
CBP OFO arrested the three persons who were presented before a U.S. federal magistrate for alleged violation of U.S. immigration law.
Visit the link for more information on the Immigration Inspection Program on CBP.gov.