YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested an MS-13 gang member Tuesday evening just north of the Andrade Port of Entry in California.
Agents patrolling near the U.S./Mexico border encountered Luis Romero-Alfredo, a 47-year-old Honduran citizen, who had entered the U.S. illegally. Romero was transported to the Yuma Station for processing.
While conducting a records check on Romero, agents learned he was a member of the MS-13 gang and removed twice from the country: through Los Angeles in 1997 and again in 1998 out of Laredo, Texas. His past crimes included multiple convictions for assault, theft, and making a false claim to U.S. citizenship.
Romero remains in federal custody pending further disposition per Yuma Sector guidelines.
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.
In addition to enforcing immigration laws, the Border Patrol contributes to a safer America by removing dangerous criminals from the country. All individuals apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks.
The Border Patrol, along with Customs and Border Protection, welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can help the Border Patrol by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.