Border Patrol agents arrest sex offender

Contributed Photo: Lukeville border crossing

Contributed Article/Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection

AJO – Ajo Station Border Patrol agents apprehended a Mexican man Thursday morning near Why, Arizona and later identified him as a previously-deported, convicted sex offender.

During processing, agents learned 41-year-old Jose Rivera-Fuentes was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor in 2014 in Bradenton, Florida, where he was sentenced to one year in jail for his crimes.

Rivera-Fuentes will remain in federal custody to face charges as per federal prosecution guidelines.

All persons apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure illegal immigrants with criminal histories are positively identified.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.