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Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Arrests Violent Criminals

Release Date
Tue, 11/19/2019
Agents arrest two convicted murders in three days
Agents arrest two convicted murderers
near McAllen, Texas

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley arrested two previously convicted murderers within three days of each other.

Wednesday, agents from the McAllen station arrested a Mexican national, later identified as Jose Mendez-Hernandez near Havana, Texas, as he entered the United States illegally. Record checks revealed, a prior arrest and conviction for murder by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Mendez-Hernandez received a sentenced of more than 20 years in prison for the murder charge.

Saturday morning, McAllen agents apprehended Jaime Cantu-Leal, a Mexican national, near Mission, Texas. Record checks revealed that Cantu-Leal was arrested by the McAllen Police Department in 1994 for murder. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 18 years confinement.

Border Patrol is processing both subjects accordingly.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021