TUCSON, Ariz. – In separate incidents, Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended two members of the Mara-Salvatrucha, MS-13, street gang after they illegally entered the United States this week.
Agents patrolling a remote canyon west of Nogales encountered 30-year-old Joel Santos-Funes, a Honduran national, after he illegally entered the country in the early morning hours on Monday. After apprehension, Santos was transported to the Nogales Station where agents performing a fingerprint and database records check discovered that he was an active MS-13 gang member.
Tuesday morning, Casa Grande agents apprehended 39-year-old Deyly Turcios-Giron west of Tucson. Turcios was transported to the Casa Grande Station where agents uncovered his affiliation with MS-13.
Both men have extensive immigration violation histories. Turcios also had a 2013 criminal conviction for drug smuggling in Arizona. They will remain in federal custody pending prosecution for criminal immigration violations.
All persons apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure illegal aliens with criminal histories are positively identified.
CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
