CALEXICO, Calif. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector arrested a previously deported sex offender Monday afternoon.

The incident occurred at around 3:05 p.m., when agents assigned to the Calexico Station encountered a man suspected of illegally entering the United States approximately 25 miles east of the Calexico West Downtown Port of Entry. Agents arrested the man and transported him to the El Centro Station for immigration and criminal history screening.

Juan Morales-Benitez, convicted sex offender.



Agents conducted records checks, which revealed that the man identified as Juan Morales-Benitez, a 32-year-old Mexican national, was convicted on June 17, 2011, for Annoy/Molest a Victim Under 18 and Sexual Battery Touch for Sexual Arousal out of Santa Ana, CA. Morales served two years confinement, and placed on a three-year probation for his conviction.

An Immigration Judge previously removed Morales on December 1, 2011.

Morales is being held in federal custody pending further criminal prosecution.

In fiscal year 2020, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested and removed 20 individuals either convicted or wanted on sexual assault charges after they entered the United States illegally.