see also: in September 2006 News Releases:   CBP Seized Heroin Onboard Mayaguez Ferry   The Dominican Republic to Implement Container Security Initiative and Begin Targeting and Pre-Screening Cargo Destined For U.S.   Bahamas to Implement Container Security Initiative and Begin Targeting and Pre-Screening Cargo Destined for United States   Civil Penalties for Agriculture Import Violations to Increase October 1   CBP Border Patrol Arrests Homicide Suspect in Abilene, Texas   Border Patrol Advanced Training to Move to Charleston, S.C.   National Guard Spots Attempted Vehicle Drive-through ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Tecate, CA. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducting routine border security operations at the Tecate port of entry apprehended a man with an outstanding felony warrant for attempted murder on Saturday, August 26, officials announced today. The warrant stipulated a $1 million bail amount.

CBP officers encountered 40-year old Gonzalo Pellegrin Ibarra, a Mexican citizen, as he entered the U.S. as a passenger in a Chevrolet Trail Blazer at about 8:30 a.m. CBP officers became suspicious when Pellegrin was hesitant to answer their questions. The vehicle and occupants were referred to the secondary area for a more intensive examination.

During the secondary inspection, CBP officers uncovered and confirmed that Pellegrin had an outstanding felony warrant for attempted murder out of Downey, CA.

Pellegrin was turned over to the custody of the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and transported to the San Diego County jail.

CBP officers at the Tecate border station have apprehended 73 fugitives thus far this fiscal year, up 24 percent over the same period last year. The fiscal year began October 1, 2005.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for 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.