DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station arrested a Honduran national, and member of Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal gang, who had been previously removed from the United States.

"Thanks to the hard work of our agents a member of the gang MS-13 was arrested during his attempt to illegally enter our country. MS-13 is a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in the country," said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. "The security of the country is our agency’s priority and we will not rest in our efforts to protect the citizens of the United States."

On June 25, Border Patrol agents arrested Lemus-Ramirez, Jose Antonio, 34, subsequent to his illegal entry into the United States. During processing at the Eagle Pass South Station, agents discovered Lemus- Ramirez had been previously removed on March 2017. Agents also discovered he was a confirmed MS-13 gang member.

Lemus-Ramirez’ prior order of removal will be reinstated, and he faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Illegal reentry after removal, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector is part of the Joint Task Force-West South Texas Corridor, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. To report suspicious activity call the Del Rio Sector’s toll free number at 1-866-511-8727.