Seeley, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Station arrested a previously deported registered sex offender near Mount Signal on Sunday.

At approximately 8:40 a.m., agents observed a man walking north from the International Border fence near Mount Signal Road. Upon making contact with the man, agents determined that he was illegally present  in the United States.

Records checks revealed the man, a 35-year-old citizen of El Salvador, was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor in the state of Texas and subsequently removed from the United States in 2009.

“This arrest is a testament to the vital role that the men and women of the El Centro Sector play in safeguarding our nations borders,” said Michael B. Sullivan, Patrol Agent in Charge of the El Centro Border Patrol Station.

The man will be criminally prosecuted for Re-Entry After Removal as a convicted sex offender and is being held at the Imperial County Jail.

In fiscal year 2016, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested eight 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.