Calexico, California - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown port of entry apprehended a 35-year-old fugitive with an outstanding felony warrant for sexual assault who attempted to sneak into the United States by hiding on a railcar on Friday.

“This apprehension highlights the fact that none of our inspections are routine,” said Calexico Area Port Director Billy Whitford. “Each and every day the men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection perform their duties realizing this; our mission is to protect our borders and keep our communities safe.”

The incident occurred shortly before 4:45 a.m. on August 28, when CBP officers at the downtown port noticed Roberto Garcia Ledezma standing on the side of an incoming commercial railcar that was destined for the U.S.  When officers with the port’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team approached Garcia Ledezma, he jumped from the train and attempted to enter the country on foot.  An officer managed to apprehend Garcia Ledezma, and escorted him to a secure location for further review.

CBP officers conducted a ten-print query utilizing the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), confirming that Garcia Ledezma was a citizen of Mexico with no legal documentation to enter the United States, and that he was wanted for a felony sexual assault in Salinas.

Garcia Ledezma was taken into custody and turned over to officers with the Calexico Police Department.  He was later booked into the Imperial County Jail to await extradition.

CBP placed an immigration hold on Garcia Ledezma to initiate removal from the United States at the conclusion of his criminal proceedings.

Last year, CBP officers at the Southern California ports of entry apprehended 2,065 fugitives with outstanding felony warrants.