El Paso, Texas – Early on April 21, Border Patrol agents in El Paso responded to assist local law enforcement officers which resulted in the arrest of a man with an extensive criminal history. In a separate incident, multiple agencies also joined in an effort to locate and rescue a lost hiker near the Continental Divide in New Mexico.
On Tuesday, an El Paso County Sheriff’s Deputy detained a subject for a traffic violation in the upper valley. The Deputy requested the assistance of the Border Patrol after running record checks and being advised by dispatch of an active immigration warrant. When questioned by an El Paso Station Border Patrol agent, the subject identified himself as 38-year-old Cesar Enrique Huerta Ramirez, of Mexico. Further biographical and biometric information obtained during processing, revealed Huerta had an extensive criminal and immigration history to include “Criminal Attempted Murder and Kidnapping”. Huerta Ramirez is currently being detained at the El Paso County Detention Facility awaiting prosecution for his immigration violation.
Later that day, a trail coordinator at the Continental Divide contacted the Deming, New Mexico Border Patrol’s "Forward Operating Base" to report a hiker who was lost in the “Boot-Heel” of New Mexico. The hiker had been dropped off in the desert on April 20, and did not make his final destination on time. New Mexico Air National Guard, CBP Air Interdiction Agents from the El Paso, Lordsburg Border Patrol Station personnel and El Paso Sector’s BORSTAR Team were dispatched for support. After an extensive search of the area by rescuers, the lost hiker was found safe and in good condition.
“It's not uncommon to see Border Patrol agents switching hats from law enforcers to rescuers, most importantly in times of need, all law enforcement agencies and first responders come together to enforce the law and protect our communities”, said Jeffrey D. Self, Chief of the El Paso Sector.