At the Brownsville Port of Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were conducting their routine duties when they intercepted a man wanted on charges involving minors. The arrest occurred at the Gateway International Bridge when Mark Anthony Renteria, a 25-year-old US citizen from San Benito, Texas, was taken into custody on April 18 after attempting to enter the United States.
During a secondary inspection, officers were able quickly to confirm that Renteria had an outstanding felony warrant for two counts of indecent liberties with a child, as issued by the Saline County Sheriff's Office in Salina, Kansas. The information is derived from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a tool allowing law enforcement agencies to share intel, including outstanding warrants.
Upon confirmation of the warrant, CBP officers handed Renteria over to the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. In an official statement, Port Director Tater Ortiz articulated the critical role that CBP officers serve in safeguarding border communities, stating, "The apprehensions of persons wanted in connection with alleged felony sexual offenses involving children are among the most heinous of crimes that we encounter," as per a statement made by CBP.
CBP's track record of apprehensions through NCIC highlights the broad spectrum of crimes they confront. Prior arrests have included charges ranging from homicide to military desertion. However, it is crucial to note that these criminal charges are merely allegations, and the accused individuals, such as Renteria, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
