IMPERIAL VALLEY, CALIF.—El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents' recent arrests have led to the successful conviction and sentencing of five illegal aliens with prior convictions for other crime(s).
The apprehensions took place earlier this year near the border cities of Calexico, El Centro, and Indio. The illegal aliens, many of whom have extensive criminal histories, were presented for prosecution on federal criminal charges.
The following individuals, all Mexican nationals, have been successfully convicted and sentenced for illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously removed.
| MERINO-Pais, Raul | Sentenced 12 months in federal prison |
| VELASQUEZ-Morales, Omar Hugo | Sentenced 12 months in federal prison |
| VIRGEN-Perez, Amado | Sentenced 30 months in federal prison |
| TORRES-Galvan, Hermelando | Sentenced 34 months in federal prison |
| ARELLANO-Lujano, Salvador | Sentenced 30 months in federal prison |
The illegal aliens will be deported to their country of origin after serving their prison sentences.
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.
