Yuma BP agents arrest 2 violent felons

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents arrested two violent felons in separate incidents over the weekend after they both illegally crossed into the United States.

According to information provided by the Yuma Sector Public Affairs Office, the first felon was apprehended with another individual at about 6:35 a.m. on Saturday, about 17 miles east of San Luis, where the pair illegally entered the country.

Agents had observed the two attempting to evade detection. Both were arrested by Border Patrol.

During processing, agents identified one of the individuals as a previously deported 40-year-old Mexican national with convictions of aggravated battery and burglary in 2001, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He is now being prosecuted for re-entry after deportation.

The second felon, a convicted sex offender, was apprehended on Sunday at about 7:15 p.m. with a group of seven illegal entrants near Andrade, Calif. after they illegally entered the United States.

During processing, agents discovered one of the individuals, a 47-year-old male Mexican national, had previously been deported and had an extensive criminal history that included a conviction of lewd and lascivious acts with a child in 1995, in Los Angeles, where he stated he was attempting to return.

He is now being prosecuted for re-entry after deportation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.