Previously-deported sex offender arrested by Border Patrol

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a previously-deported convicted sex offender Tuesday morning.

At 8:45 a.m., agents conducted an immigration inspection a passenger bus at the Highway 86 checkpoint near Salton City. During the search, agents found that 34-year-old Humberto Ortiz-Marmalejo presented a false I-551 visa during the inspection. Ortiz-Marmalejo was then removed from the bus and brought to a processing area.

Ortiz- Marmalejo positively identified by his fingerprints and a search of law enforcement databases revealed that he had previously been convicted in Washington for indecent liberties by force or coercion, in addition to previous immigration removals, dating as recently as 2018.

Ortiz- Marmalejo, a Mexican national, is being held in federal custody awaiting prosecution for re-entry after removal.

Since October, El Centro Border Patrol agents have arrested and removed 12 individuals wanted on sexual assault charges or previously convicted of sexual assault charges who are in the country illegally.