Calexico, California - Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico station apprehended a dangerous gang member attempting to make an illegal entry into the United States.

Border Patrol agents arrested a 43-year-old Mexican national at around 10:45 a.m., as he entered the United States illegally from Mexico approximately 20 miles west of the downtown Calexico Port of Entry.

The man, later identified as Juan Jose Carmona-Escobar, was transported to the Calexico Border Patrol station where he admitted to being an active member of the “Sureños 13” criminal street gang out of Santa Maria.  Carmona has numerous tattoos affiliated to this gang.  Agents also discovered that Carmona has an extensive criminal and immigration history.

The gang member is an aggravated felon who has convictions from Riverside for stolen property, vehicle theft, control substance for sale, and battery of a spouse.  He was ordered to serve no less than 36 months in prison and 12 months of probation for his crimes.  The gang member was ordered removed by an Immigration Judge in April, 2005.

The man is in Border Patrol custody and will be criminally prosecuted for re-entry into the United States after being ordered removed. 

This is the 28th gang member arrested in the El Centro Sector area of responsibility this year.

The El Centro Sector’s Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats.  We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe.  Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.