Border security intensified at the Laredo Port of Entry led to the apprehension of a 65-year-old man wanted on a rape charge in Illinois, highlighting the vigilant work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in screening individuals entering the United States. Elio Benitez Pena, a U.S. citizen, was stopped by CBP officers on Wednesday at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge and subsequently taken into custody after a detailed verification process. The arrest was part of CBP's commitment to safeguard our borders and protect the community from individuals wanted for serious crimes.
According to a recent report by CBP, Pena was driving a vehicle when referred for a secondary inspection which is where the biometric verification revealed his identity and unearthed a felony warrant for his arrest, the outstanding warrant was for alleged rape, originally issued by the Pontoon Beach Police Department in Illinois; CBP officers took the necessary steps in confirming Pena's identity through federal law enforcement databases to ensure the accuracy of the match. “Our frontline CBP officers place a priority focus on securing our borders,” said Port Director Albert Flores.
Although criminal charges are just allegations and people are innocent until proven guilty, Pena has been taken to Webb County jail where the warrant will be handled, as noted by CBP.
