SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A 29-year-old United States citizen, resident of Aurora, Illinois, was arrested Tuesday in connection with aggravated assault charges, as he attempted to enter the United States at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport on board a flight from Dominica.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection field operations officers identified Jeremy Rivers upon his arrival in San Juan as a possible match to an outstanding warrant from the Sheriff Office of Kendall County in Yorkville, Illinois. Once his identity was verified and it was confirmed that the warrant is active, he was taken into custody.
The custody of Mr. Rivers was transferred to San Juan Homeland Security Investigation Agents and the Puerto Rico Police Department for processing.
“Customs and Border Protection is an agency committed to securing our borders while at the same time cooperating with other law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of US laws. CBP officers remain vigilant to detect individuals that have broken the law and attempt to defeat the justice system.” stated Juan Hurtado, San Juan Area Port Director.
In fiscal year 2014, CBP officers at San Juan ports processed 103 arrests, 21 for individuals wanted for crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery and other criminal activity. More than 1,360 aliens were identified as inadmissible due to national security, insufficient or fraudulent documents, and other relevant concerns.
The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.