Ocotillo, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Station arrested a previously deported convicted sex offender today.

A 40-year-old man was apprehended by Border Patrol agents approximately 20 miles west of the Calexico West Port of Entry, after he illegally entered the United States.  The man was later identified as Vriel Ruiz Villanueva, a citizen of Mexico.

Border Patrol agents conducted records checks which revealed that Ruiz was convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14 years of age and was sentenced to ten years in prison.  Ruiz was previously removed from the United States on May 13, 2013.

Ruiz is being processed for Re-Entry After Removal as a convicted sex offender.

In fiscal year 2015, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested 8 convicted sex offenders attempting to re-enter the United States after removal.

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.