El Centro Sector Arrests "18th Street" Gang Member

CALEXICO, CALIF.—U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Calexico station apprehend another dangerous gang member attempting an illegal entry into the United States, two gang members in just the last three days.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., Border Patrol agents observed a 34-year-old male and Mexican national identified as Jessie Ruelas-Ruiz, cross into the United States illegally from Mexico. Agents arrested Ruelas without incident.

Ruelas was transported to the Calexico Border Patrol station, where it was revealed he was an active member of the "18th Street" criminal street gang out of Los Angeles, Calif., and has immigration and a criminal record.

Ruelas is in Border Patrol custody and will be presented for prosecution for re-entry after being previously removed from the United States.

The El Centro Sector's Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.