TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two previously deported child abusers and a gang member near Lukeville and Cowlic, Arizona, in separate events early this week.

Around 12:30 a.m. Monday, Tucson Sector agents patrolling near Lukeville apprehended 39-year-old Juan Sergio Valencia Robles. Records checks revealed Valencia Robles, a citizen of Mexico, was convicted in Visalia, California, of cruelty toward a child, drug possession, and amphetamine-intent to sell, on September 18, 2007. He was sentenced to a concurrent term of four years imprisonment.

Tuesday, agents patrolling near Cowlic apprehended 43-year-old Gerson Garcia. Records checks revealed Garcia, a citizen of Honduras, was convicted in Nassau County, New York, of rape – 1st forcible compulsion on October 16, 2002. He was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment.

Also near Cowlic, agents apprehended a 24-year-old Mexican national Monday afternoon after he illegally entered the United States. The man admitted to being a member of the dangerous 18th Street gang.

All three men face federal prosecution for immigration violations.

All persons apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure illegal aliens with criminal histories are positively identified.

For more details regarding this news release, contact the Tucson Sector Public Affairs Office at tca-pao@cbp.dhs.gov or by phone at 520-748-3210. Tucson Sector is also LiveU capable. Contact us to schedule an interview.