PRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents apprehended a Tango Blast gang member attempting to make an illegal entry through the desert of West Texas.

“The criminal element is something that our agents are always aware of, we never know who we will encounter in the West Texas desert.” Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak said, “This criminal gang member was attempting to blend in with other individuals to evade arrest. Thankfully, this arrest was made without incident.”

Agents performing horse patrol duties.

On Wednesday, at approximately 3:00 a.m. agents assigned to the Presidio Station discovered footprints of 13 individuals west of Presidio, Texas. The agents tracked the footprints going north from the Rio Grande River, traversing through the West Texas desert, and into the skirts of Chinati Peak. After following the footprints for approximately 10 miles, agents encountered a group of 13 individuals dressed in camouflage and wearing carpet shoes at approximately 10:00 a.m. After further investigation, it was determine that all 13 individuals were citizens of Mexico and Guatemala illegally present in the United States.

One of the 13 subjects arrested was Cristobal Martinez Ureste, a citizen of Mexico. Records checks revealed Martinez to be a member of the Tango Blast gang and to have a criminal record that included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest, assault against a public servant, and possession of marijuana.

Martinez’ previous order of removal will be reinstated and removed to Mexico at the conclusion of his immigration court hearing and sentencing.

The other 12 subjects in the group will be processed according to the applicable immigration laws.