In a significant development amidst the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border, border patrol agents have apprehended two child sex offenders and a convicted murderer attempting to cross into the United States illegally. The arrests were made by border patrol agents covering the Del Rio and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. This news comes as the number of illegal immigrants descending on the US continues to increase.
The announcement of the capture was made by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Chief Jason Owens on X. He commended the efforts of the agents on patrol, emphasizing that their presence was crucial in preventing these individuals from reaching communities in the US. Chief Owens did not disclose the origin or age of the offenders.
Furthermore, Border Patrol Chief Agent for Tucson, John Modlin, shared images of two individuals with criminal records who were apprehended for unlawfully entering the US. One of them had alarming felony convictions for second-degree murder and attempted murder, while the other was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Both individuals are now facing federal prosecution.
While further details about their crimes are not known at this time, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona has been reached out to for comment. Agent Modlin also provided a summary of the Tucson sector’s activities for the week, which included 11,300 apprehensions, 144 federal criminal cases, 16 human smuggling events, 14 rescues, 9 narcotics events, 8lbs. of cocaine, 7lbs. of heroin, 4 significant arrests, 2lbs. of fentanyl, and the seizure of one firearm.
These arrests come amid a worsening crisis at the southern border. Recent figures released by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) indicate that there were over 302,000 migrant encounters in December alone, following a record fiscal year 2023 with 2.4 million migrant encounters. Additionally, CBP reports that Border Patrol apprehended 19 individuals on the FBI terror watchlist in December, bringing the total to 50 arrests for fiscal year 2024 thus far.
The situation at the southern border has prompted a coalition of former FBI officials to issue a warning about a “new and imminent danger” for the US. They suggest that the country has been “invaded” by military-age foreign nationals, heightening concerns about national security.
The apprehension of child sex offenders and a convicted murderer highlights the importance of border security and the challenges faced by Border Patrol in their efforts to maintain law and order. As the crisis continues, it remains to be seen how the US government will address the situation and ensure the safety of its citizens.
