TUCSON, Ariz. – United States Border Patrol agents assigned to the Nogales Station arrested a previously deported Mexican national with several prior felony convictions Thursday afternoon.
Border Patrol agents patrolling approximately 2 miles west of Nogales, Arizona, encountered a man who had illegally entered the country, later identified as Fernando Garcia-Loya.
While processing the 31-year-old illegal alien, agents conducted a records check and learned of his previous conviction in Provo, Utah for forcible sex abuse in 2009, and 2016 felony convictions for re-entry of a deported alien, and failure to register as a sex offender.
Garcia is being held in federal custody pending prosecution for criminal and immigration violations.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.