El Paso, Texas - During two separate incidents, U.S. Border Patrol Agents working in El Paso Sector arrested and identified previously deported felons who were attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico.

On August 2, agents assigned to the El Paso Border Patrol Station processing facility identified a Brazilian national as a previously deported felon. Records checks revealed that 32 year-old Washington Silva-Santos had been convicted in Newport County, Rhode Island for first degree child molestation. Silva will be held pending criminal proceedings.

During a separate incident early August 5, Santa Teresa Border Patrol Agents arrested a Mexican national identified as 23 year-old Saul Sanchez Romero. During processing, record checks revealed that Sanchez Romero, had been previously arrested and convicted for 2nd degree rape, custodial interference, unlawful transaction with a minor-2nd degree, possession of marijuana and controlled substance-public intoxication in Paris, Kentucky. Sanchez Romero is currently being held pending criminal proceedings.

Both male subjects remain in custody pending criminal prosecution for 8 USC 1326, re-entry after removal.

The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol remain vigilant. They are hard at work in the harsh desert and urban areas to support CBP’s primary homeland security mission.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509 toll free.