Border Patrol Agents Arrest 2 Sex Offenders

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents from the Ajo Station arrested two male Mexican nationals during separate weekend incidents who had been convicted in California for sex crimes involving minors.

Agents arrested 32-year-old Zeferino Galindo-Lopes near Arivaca on Friday evening for being illegally present in the United States. During processing, agents conducted a records search and found he was convicted in 2015 for sexual molestation of a child.

Agents also arrested Francisco Bravo-Ruelas, 38, near Ajo on Saturday for being illegally present in the United States. A records search revealed he was convicted for having sex with a minor.

Both subjects are being prosecuted for illegal re-entry into the United States.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

~CBP~

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP’s mission includes keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona.

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