SAN LUIS, ARIZ.—A Salinas, Calif. man, featured twice on the television show "America's Most Wanted," was arrested recently by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of San Luis. The show featured Raul Marin Sandoval, 26, in episodes that aired March and December 2011, indicating he was wanted in Salinas for homicide.
Officers referred Sandoval for additional inspection when he attempted to enter the United States through a pedestrian crossing Tuesday. He was later taken into custody after a routine record check disclosed the 2004 homicide warrant; which was confirmed through the Monterey Sheriff's Office. The San Luis Police subsequently took custody of Sandoval.
In fiscal year 2012, CBP officers at Arizona ports arrested 401 people wanted for crimes such as murder, rape, assault, robbery and other criminal activity. More than 6,000 individuals were identified as inadmissible due to national security, insufficient or fraudulent documents, and other inadmissibility concerns.
"This arrest demonstrates just one of the many roles CBP plays in keeping our communities safe by taking dangerous criminals off our streets," said Acting Port Director Roque Caza. "I applaud our CBP officers in their role of ensuring this individual will be brought to justice."
The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within CBP 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.