Jacumba Hot Springs, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a man previously convicted of child molestation after he illegally crossed the border in East County on Monday afternoon.

At about 4 p.m., a Border Patrol agent witnessed three people climb over the border fence near Jacumba Hot Springs.  Agents responded and encountered the three Mexican nationals hiding in thick brush. 

Agents arrested the three men for illegally entering the country and transported them to a nearby Border Patrol station for processing.  A records check revealed that one man in the group had been previously deported after serving a six-year prison sentence for “Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child under 14.”

In response to this significant apprehension, Chief Patrol Agent Richard A. Barlow said, “I commend the agents involved in this arrest as their efforts reflect San Diego Sector’s commitment to strengthen border security and increase safety in our community.”

The 43-year-old convicted felon was transported to the Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego and faces federal charges for reentering the U.S. as a previously deported foreign national.

As of July 31, 2016, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector arrested 25,979 people for illegally entering the U.S. between ports of entry. 

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.