The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry in Texas recently made a significant arrest that highlights the agency’s role in protecting communities. On July 15, 2026 officers detained a man with an outstanding felony warrant for a heinous crime against a child.
The incident underscores the importance of biometric verification systems and interagency cooperation in law enforcement. This arrest is part of a broader effort to remove dangerous individuals from society and ensure public safety.
Identification and apprehension of the suspect
On the specified date, CBP officers at the Del Rio International Bridge referred a vehicle driven by Juan Manuel Gomez a 58-year-old U.S. citizen, for secondary inspection. During this process, biometric verification through law enforcement databases revealed that Gomez had an outstanding felony warrant issued by the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
The Del Rio Police Department subsequently transported Gomez to the Val Verde Correctional Facility where he awaits legal proceedings. This arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of law enforcement databases in identifying and apprehending dangerous individuals.
The role of the National Crime Information Center
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a centralized automated database that shares information among law enforcement agencies. This system includes data on outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses, from homicide to sexual child abuse. CBP officers have previously used NCIC to arrest individuals wanted for various crimes, including money laundering, robbery, and military desertion.
It is important to note that criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The NCIC plays a crucial role in facilitating interagency cooperation and ensuring that dangerous individuals are brought to justice.
CBP’s commitment to public safety
Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin CBP has been actively working to remove criminal aliens from the country. This effort includes the apprehension of gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers, all of whom pose a threat to community safety.
Port Director Liliana Flores of the Del Rio Port of Entry emphasized the significance of this arrest. She stated, “This arrest highlights the critical role CBP plays in protecting the most vulnerable among us. The apprehension of individuals wanted for heinous crimes, such as the sexual assault of a child, underscores our dedication to public safety and our collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”
CBP’s efforts are supported by various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter)Instagram and Facebook. These platforms provide updates on breaking news, current events, human interest stories, and photos, keeping the public informed about the agency’s activities and achievements.
