U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Progreso International Bridge recently arrested a man from Alton, Texas, as he attempted to cross the bridge. The man, identified as 49-year-old Cirino Gutierrez, was wanted on allegations of committing a sexual offense against a child. In a statement to the press, CBP highlighted the importance of such apprehensions, with Progreso/Donna Port of Entry Port Director Michael Martinez saying, "CBP officers frequently encounter fugitives of the law wanted for a variety of offenses, sexual crimes against children still rank amongst the most heinous."
According to a release by the CBP, Gutierrez was taken into secondary inspection by CBP officers at the bridge last Saturday. During this second-round screening, officers confirmed through biometric verification and law enforcement databases that Gutierrez had an outstanding felony warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact, issued by the Alton Police Department. Martinez added that "CBP continues to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to bring fugitives to justice and enhance the safety our communities."
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a centralized database, is used to share criminal information among various law enforcement agencies. It contains records of outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has previously used the NCIC to identify and detain individuals wanted for crimes such as homicide, escape, money laundering, and other serious charges. Following the confirmation of his warrant, Gutierrez was transferred to the Alton Police Department, which took him into custody for judicial proceedings.
It is important to note that criminal charges are considered allegations, and individuals such as Gutierrez are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
