Border Patrol arrests 2 for illegal entry, 1 has active tuberculosis

Two Mexican nationals were arrested by Border Patrol agents Friday morning for being in the U.S. illegally. After checking their records, it was discovered that one of the men had been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, according to a Border Patrol release.

El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agents encountered a 42-year-old man and 28-year old man Friday at about 5 a.m. as they approached the Highway 111 checkpoint. They said both men were uncooperative so they began investigating.

Agents discovered that both men were in the U.S. illegally and the 28-year-old had a medical alert for active tuberculosis. They said he had been sought out by the County Department of Public Health for failing to comply with his tuberculosis treatment.

“The individual had previously been treated in San Joaquin County and also arrested there for failure to take treatment before coming to Riverside County,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, public health officer for the County. “Every effort was made to give him the chance to continue his therapy here, which he refused, and a warrant was issued for his arrest when he could not be found. We will refer his treatment to Mexican health authorities so he can resume treatment there.”

The suspects will be processed for Removal Proceedings, according to officials. The man with tuberculosis is undergoing more tests and treatment to determine if he is currently contagious, and then will be returned to Mexico in the safest manner possible.