U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers apprehended two individuals with outstanding felony warrants for sex-related offenses involving children during a 48-hour holiday weekend period, according to an April 10 announcement.
The arrests took place at ports of entry within the Laredo Field Office area. The agency said these actions highlight the role CBP plays in maintaining border security and community safety.
On April 4, officers at Laredo’s Gateway to the Americas Bridge identified Hermengildo Alcala, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen, as having an active felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child issued by the Bexar County Sheriff’s office in San Antonio. Officers confirmed his identity using biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases before transporting him to Webb County jail.
The following day, CBP officers at the Gateway Bridge in Brownsville detained Jonathan Hernandez, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen. Hernandez was found to have an active felony warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact from the Brownsville Police Department. After confirming his identity and warrant status through similar procedures, officers turned him over to local police.
“Our frontline CBP officers maintained laser focus amid steady holiday weekend traffic and apprehended two individuals wanted for sex-related offenses involving children,” said Director of Field Operations Donald R. Kusser of the Laredo Field Office.” These are among the most heinous offenses we encounter and apprehensions like these not only illustrate the importance of our border security mission but also strengthen the security of our communities.”
CBP noted that criminal charges are allegations until proven in court and referenced its use of resources such as the National Crime Information Center database to assist law enforcement agencies nationwide.
