Border Patrol arrests 62 illegal aliens and an MS-13 gang member in Texas

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working with the Hidalgo County Constables Office disrupted a stash house operation in an Edinburg neighborhood which resulted in the apprehension of 62 illegal aliens on Friday.

The illegal aliens were comprised of men, women, and unaccompanied children from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.

All subjects were offered medical assistance and will be processed accordingly.

On Tuesday, border patrol agents apprehended an MS-13 gang member in Del Rio, Texas. The illegal alien is being processed for illegal re-entry.

“Our agents’ vigilance and hard work have shut the door on another dangerous criminal trying to reenter our society,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez. “Here in Del Rio Sector, we remain committed to the integrity of our borders and the safety of our citizens.”

On June 26, Border Patrol agents arrested Salvadoran national Luis Barrientos-Melendez, 37, near Eagle Pass shortly after he made an illegal entry by crossing the Rio Grande River. During processing at the Eagle Pass South Station, agents discovered that Barrientos-Melendez had been previously removed in September 2006. Records checks also revealed that he is a confirmed member of the notorious MS-13 gang, a violent, trans-national criminal organization operating in many parts of the United States.

Barrientos-Melendez’s prior order of removal will be reinstated, and he faces prosecution under 8 USC § 1326 – Illegal reentry after removal, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.