DEL RIO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry encountered a man wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for a sex-related offense against a child, according to a release from the agency.
On July 15, CBP officers at the Del Rio International Bridge referred a vehicle driven by Juan Manuel Gomez, 58, a United States citizen, for secondary inspection, according to CBP. The agency said biometric verification through law enforcement databases confirmed Gomez had an outstanding felony warrant for aggravated sexual assault of a child issued by the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office in Del Rio. The Del Rio Police Department transported Gomez to the Val Verde Correctional Facility, according to the release.
Del Rio Port Director Liliana Flores said the arrest highlights the role CBP plays in protecting vulnerable members of the community, adding that the apprehension reflects the agency’s dedication to public safety and its collaborative work with law enforcement partners.
According to CBP, the arrest was made possible through the National Crime Information Center, a centralized, automated database that allows law enforcement agencies to share information on outstanding warrants across a wide range of offenses. The agency said officers have previously used the same database to arrest individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion.
CBP noted that criminal charges are merely allegations, and that defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
CBP encourages the public to report suspicious activity to the ICE tip line at 1-866-347-2423.
