CBP Collaborates with Local Authorities to Apprehend Gang Member in California

Recently, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) joined forces with local law enforcement to counter California’s sanctuary city policy, successfully detaining a gang member of Mexican origin who had received a 12-year sentence for second-degree murder.

CBP reported that the local police in Southern California transferred members of the Sureños 13 gang to federal agents just outside the John J. Benoit Detention Center last week, right after they finished serving their sentences.

This situation sharply contrasts with sanctuary city policies, which often complicate the cooperation between state and federal authorities. It’s also a reminder of the collaborative efforts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aimed to establish with local governments during the Trump administration.

“This is a prime example of how local, state, and federal law enforcement can significantly enhance community safety through sensible collaboration,” stated El Centro Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Daniel Parra in a communication to Fox News Digital. He added, “Honoring federal detainees, like we did here, contributes to safer communities.”

Although it isn’t clear when this individual re-entered the United States, he now faces federal charges related to re-entry after previous deportation.

If local officials hadn’t coordinated with CBP, the gang members could have simply been released from prison and disappeared into the community without detection by immigration authorities.

Political Tensions Emerge Over Immigration Policies

The arrests come amid tensions as Democratic politicians, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, strive to limit federal-local cooperation. Hochul recently requested that the New York State Legislature ban the 287(g) program, which gives local officials power to carry out immigration duties typically handled by federal agents.

Lauren Biss, acting assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, criticized Hochul’s push, suggesting that it aligns with actions taken by other blue states to hinder federal immigration enforcement. “Instead of collaborating with us, Governor Hochul is opting to release violent offenders directly from prisons into our neighborhoods, where they can commit further crimes,” Biss said.

Gang Violence and Criminal Histories

The gang member in question possesses a criminal record that includes not just second-degree murder, but also felony firearm possession, unauthorized use of a vehicle, battery charges, and providing false identification to law enforcement.

The Sureños-13 gang is one of several groups operating in Southern California, primarily involved in mid-level drug distribution, as noted in records from the Department of Justice.