U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Hidalgo Port of Entry recently made a significant arrest, detaining a U.S. citizen with an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child. The arrest was part of the CBP's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety by apprehending individuals with criminal records attempting to enter the country.
The individual, 55-year-old Roger Lee Chapa, was stopped for entry at the Hidalgo International Bridge on Monday. According to statements from the CBP, officers referred Chapa for a secondary inspection, a standard protocol for travelers entering the country. It was during this secondary examination that officers, using biometric verification tactics that have previously enabled the capture of fugitives, confirmed the outstanding warrant from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office in Edinburg, Texas.
"Our officers remain vigilant in identifying and intercepting individuals who pose a threat to our communities," Carlos Rodriguez, Port Director at Hidalgo Port of Entry, told the CBP. "Apprehending a wanted person for aggravated sexual assault of a child underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable." This statement underlines the CBP's duty to community safety and its zero-tolerance policy for criminal offenders trying to move across U.S. borders.
Using the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which is a centralized automated database designed to share information among U.S. law enforcement agencies, CBP officers at various ports of entry have been responsible for multiple arrests. Reported by the CBP, the arrests range across a spectrum of charges including homicide, money laundering, and sexual child abuse, following the successful identification through NCIC. In the case of Chapa, upon confirmation of his warrant, he was turned over to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, where he will face criminal proceedings. Despite the nature of the allegations, as a matter of law and fairness, it is acknowledged that these criminal charges are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
