LAREDO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Laredo Port of Entry intercepted an individual allegedly attempting to re-enter the U.S. after deportation.
“This was a great referral by our primary officer,” said Acting Port Director Joseph Misenhelter, Laredo Port of Entry. “Although a U.S. citizen will never be denied entry into the U.S.; it is still our responsibility to ensure that all persons claiming to be U.S. citizens who are not in possession of any documents are legitimate travelers and not in violation of any laws.”
The incident occurred on Oct. 24 at Gateway to the Americas Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 38-year-old male pedestrian who orally claimed to be a U.S. citizen born in Laredo. The subject was unable to provide proper documentation to substantiate his claim and the CBP officer referred him to secondary for a further examination. CBP officers conducted further law enforcement database queries and identified the man as a Mexican citizen from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico who had been deported and physically removed from the U.S. earlier that day.
CBP officers processed the man for expedited removal with prosecution. CBP officers transported the subject to Webb County Detention Center pending criminal proceedings.
CBP’s Laredo Port of Entry is part of the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.