YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents patrolling the area of Andrade, California arrested a Mara Salvatrucha-13 gang member as he attempted to make an illegal entry into the United States Tuesday morning.
At approximately 4:00 a.m. early Tuesday, Yuma Station agents observed a group of seven individuals running north from the international boundary wall a quarter mile east of the Andrade Port of Entry. The group attempted to evade law enforcement by hiding in vegetation between the Colorado River and Alamo Pond.
During processing, agents identified one of the individuals as Fredi Antonio Padilla-Rivera, a 19-year-old man from El Salvador. Through additional interviews, Padilla claimed to be an MS-13 gang member and stated that he was attempting to travel to San Francisco.
Padilla was last removed from the United States on February 14, 2018 through the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Padilla will be processed for removal proceedings.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through Southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.