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  4. Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Apprehend MS-13 Gang Member

Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Apprehend MS-13 Gang Member

Release Date
Fri, 06/29/2018

Salvadoran national previously deported.

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

"Our agents’ vigilance and hard work have shut the door on another dangerous criminal trying to reenter our society," said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. "Here in Del Rio Sector, we remain committed to the integrity of our borders and the safety of our citizens."

Luis Barrientos-Melendez
Luis Barrientos-Melendez

On June 26, Border Patrol agents arrested Salvadoran national Luis Barrientos-Melendez, 37, near Eagle Pass shortly after he made an illegal entry by crossing the Rio Grande River. During processing at the Eagle Pass South Station, agents discovered that Barrientos-Melendez had been previously removed in September 2006. Records checks also revealed that he is a confirmed member of the notorious MS-13 gang, a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in many parts of the United States.

Barrientos-Melendez’s prior order of removal will be reinstated, and he faces prosecution under 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.

Last Modified: Mar 27, 2024