U.S. Border Patrol agents in the San Diego Sector arrested two foreign fugitives wanted in Mexico for violent crimes during separate enforcement operations in late April and early May, according to federal authorities.
The arrests involved suspects accused of crimes including kidnapping, extortion, and homicide, with one of the men also identified as a former Mexican law enforcement officer.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the first arrest took place April 29 in El Cajon after agents received information from foreign law enforcement partners regarding the whereabouts of a fugitive wanted in Mexico for kidnapping and extortion.
Federal officials said the man was residing in the United States illegally at the time of the arrest. Authorities identified him as a former law enforcement officer in Mexico. Following his apprehension, agents transported him for immigration processing while coordinating with Mexico’s Fiscalía General de la República, the country’s federal investigative and prosecutorial agency.
A second operation occurred on May 5 in San Diego, where Border Patrol agents arrested another Mexican national wanted for homicide.
According to federal officials, the suspect had a revoked visa and was also the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, an international request seeking the location and provisional arrest of fugitives wanted for serious crimes.
Agents conducted surveillance at the suspect’s residence before arresting him without incident, authorities said. He was later transferred through a port of entry and turned over to Mexican officials to face the outstanding homicide warrant.
Justin M. De La Torre said the arrests reflect ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities targeting violent fugitives attempting to evade prosecution.
“These arrests send a clear and unequivocal message — our borders are not a sanctuary for those fleeing justice,” De La Torre said in a statement released by Border Patrol. “We will relentlessly pursue individuals who seek to evade accountability for serious crimes.”
Federal officials said the cases demonstrate the continued use of international intelligence-sharing and cross-border law enforcement coordination in locating suspects accused of violent offences abroad.
The Department of Homeland Security also stated the arrests were part of broader border enforcement and public safety efforts aimed at preventing criminal fugitives, narcotics, weapons, and other contraband from entering American communities.
