HOUSTON, Texas — A criminal gang member who had previously been deported was captured attempting to cross the border between California and Mexico. Border Patrol agents arrested the 40-year-old Mexican national just after noon (PST) on Wednesday about five miles west of the Calexico Port of Entry. The criminal gang member was later identified as a member of the “West Park” gang from Santa Maria, California.
Mario Benitez-Luna was transported to the Border Patrol station where he admitted to being a gang member. A search of his records revealed he had an extensive criminal and immigration history according to a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol press release obtained by Breitbart Texas. In May of 1997 we hwas ordered deported from the United States after he was convicted of “False Checks/Records.” He was ordered to spend 90 days in jail and to serve five years on probation.
Benitez-Luna had numerous tattoos that are associated with the “West Park” gang of which he admitted he to being a member. He is considered to be an “aggravated felon” with convictions in California’s criminal courts.
The Border Patrol press release stated Benitez-Luna will be prosecuted criminally for re-entry into the United States after being ordered removed. This is a felony charge that could land him in prison for up to five years.
He was the 27th gang member arrested in the El Centro Sector of the U.S./Mexico border this year. The Border Patrol asks anyone with information about suspicious activity related to illegal immigration contact the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.
Bob Price is a staff writer and a member of the original Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX.
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