SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Chula Vista Border Patrol Station arrested a member of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang last week as he attempted to enter the country illegally, officials said.
Border Patrol agents encountered a group of individuals who had unlawfully crossed the U.S.-Mexico border around 3:15 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22. Among the group was one man who, when questioned about his citizenship, initially claimed to be from Mexico, CBP officials explained. However, after further investigation, it was discovered that the man had provided false biographical information in an effort to conceal his true identity.
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Upon further processing at the Border Patrol station, agents confirmed that the individual was actually a 32-year-old citizen of El Salvador and a member of the MS-13 gang. He is now in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, pending expedited removal under the Presidential Proclamation on Securing the Border.
“I applaud our San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents for their dedication and diligence to protecting our country,” said Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. “Keeping dangerous subjects from entering our communities is our pledge to America.”
In fiscal year 2024, San Diego Sector Border Patrol apprehended 26 gang members, marking a 62.5% increase compared to the previous year,” CBP officials noted in a press release.
Border Patrol urges the public to report suspicious activity to the San Diego Sector by calling (619) 498-9900.
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