CBP arrests two fugitives in 48 hours wanted for sex-related offenses involving children

LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to ports of entry within the Laredo Field Office area of responsibility in a 48-hour holiday weekend period apprehended two pedestrians wanted on outstanding felony warrants for sex-related offenses involving children. On April 4, CBP officers at Laredo’s Gateway to the Americas Bridge referred pedestrian Hermengildo Alcala, 29, a U.S. citizen, for a secondary inspection. During secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases, verified his identity and discovered that he was the subject of an active felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child, issued by the Bexar County Sheriff’s office in San Antonio. CBP officers confirmed the warrant and transported Alcala to Webb County jail to await criminal proceedings. On April 5, CBP officers at the Gateway Bridge in Brownsville referred pedestrian Jonathan Hernandez, 24, a U.S. citizen, for secondary inspection. During secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases verified his identity and discovered that he was the subject of an active felony warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact from the Brownsville Police Department. CBP officers confirmed the warrant and turned Hernandez over to Brownsville police officers for adjudication of the warrant. "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, 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."