
At the Hidalgo International Bridge, a routine check by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers turned pivotal when they apprehended a man sought on a warrant for sexual assault of a child. According to an official report by CBP, 61-year-old U.S. citizen Juan Carlos Avila, who had been residing in Campeche, Mexico, was identified as a potential match to an outstanding felony warrant.
It was upon his arrival from Mexico last Satuday, that Avila fell into the hands of the law. Having been on the run since June of 2009, his attempt to slip back into the United States was thwarted by vigilant CBP officers. "CBP screens all travelers entering the United States. We are committed to bringing in those individuals to face criminal charges, especially those wanted for heinous crimes against children," Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director at the Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port, said in a statement obtained by CBP's newsroom.
One can imagine the scene in secondary inspection, where CBP officers secured Avila and confirmed his identity using biometric verification systems. The active arrest warrant, issued by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, pertains to a charge of aggravated sexual assault on a child under 14, a serious first-degree felony in Texas.
Following the verification, a Hidalgo police officer, waiting eagerly for the transfer, took custody of Avila. He was then transported to the Hidalgo County jail pending extradition to Harris County. The stringent measures at border ports stand as unwelcome thresholds for fugitives like Avila, seeking to evade the long arm of justice.
While charges against Avila are severe, it's critical to remember that in the eyes of the law, he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. For additional details on how the Immigration Inspection Program operates and other CBP enforcement actions, the public is invited to visit CBP’s website.