Agents at the New Mexico Border Patrol checkpoint have detained a Cuban national with a serious criminal background, described as an “unsettling criminal history.” According to Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, this background includes various violent offenses like murder.
On April 29th, Chief Banks shared on social media that agents stopped a group of Cuban immigrants who had entered the United States illegally. During the record checks, they uncovered a significant criminal history, resulting in the man’s detention.
The Chief stated that the individual was arrested for violating a removal order under 8 USC 1253. The following offenses were revealed during the background check:
- Murder
- Negligent homicide
- Shooting from a vehicle
- Tampering with evidence
- Possession of controlled substances
- Unlawfully carrying weapons
Chief Banks stressed the role of border checkpoints in “keeping communities safe from violent offenders.”
Later that day, he also mentioned the arrest of a “recently deported high-ranking member” of the Paisas gang, who attempted to re-enter the U.S. illegally near San Luis, Arizona. The gang member had been sent back after serving over five years in prison for car theft.
Re-entering the U.S. illegally after deportation is a federal crime that can lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
“Border Patrol agents remain vigilant in detecting and apprehending criminals trying to enter our country,” Banks noted.
