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 shortly after he made illegal entry into the United States.
“Protecting American citizens and our communities from dangerous criminals is one of the Border Patrol’s top priorities,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Here in Del Rio Sector, our agents will continue to serve with honor and professionalism while holding the line against all threats to this great nation.”
On June 25, Border Patrol agents arrested Honduran national Carlton David Pineda-Mejia, 21, near Eagle Pass shortly after he made an illegal entry by crossing the Rio Grande River. Agents later discovered that Pineda-Mejia is an active member of the MS-13 gang, a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in many parts of the United States and Central America.
Pineda-Mejia was charged with unlawful entry, and faces deportation.
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.