For the Headlight

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Vigilance by the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol/El Paso Sector continues to bolster our nation’s defense as evidenced in this most recent arrest by agents in southern New Mexico.

On Thursday, June 29, Border Patrol agents at the Las Cruces Immigration Checkpoint on I-10 were conducting immigration inspections when they observed a 2011 Toyota Corolla enter the inspection area. Vehicle inspection technology determined the license plate returned with an “Armed and Dangerous” alert in connection to a possible homicide in League City, Texas.

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This immediately prompted agents to direct the male driver, later identified as 41-year-old Sayantan Ghose, a U.S. citizen, to the secondary area for further investigation. When questioned, Ghose admitted he had a handgun inside the vehicle. After a thorough search, agents located a box with two empty pistol magazines, but no weapon.

Records checks revealed Ghose was wanted for questioning in connection to a double shooting that occurred on Wednesday night that left one man dead and a woman in a hospital in League, City, Texas. Ghose later stated he had been assaulted and needed to defend himself by shooting an individual.

New Mexico State Police were contacted and subsequently took custody of the subject. Ghose is awaiting current extradition and criminal charges.

This incident demonstrates how vigilance by U.S. Border Patrol agents using new world technology and other training skills are vital in combating the furtherance of criminals and contraband into our communities, while keeping our Nation’s borders safe.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.