CBP Arrests Mexican Gang Member After California Prison Release

Customs and Border Protection worked with local authorities to arrest a Mexican gang member who had just finished a 12-year prison term for second-degree murder. The arrest undercut California's sanctuary city policies.

Local law enforcement in southern California handed the Sureños-13 gang member over to federal agents outside the John J. Benoit Detention Center right after his release last week, CBP said.

The case stands out against sanctuary city rules that block cooperation between federal and state agencies. It shows the results from partnerships the Department of Homeland Security sought with local authorities under President Donald Trump.

"This is a prime example of the great strides local, state and federal law enforcement can deliver to the American public in terms of safety when common sense cooperation exists," said Daniel Parra, acting chief patrol agent at El Centro Sector, in a statement. "Honoring federal detainers, such as in this case, makes our communities safer."

The detainee faces federal charges for reentry after prior deportation. Officials do not know when he first returned to the U.S.

Without the local handoff, the gang member might have walked free and avoided immigration detection.

The arrest comes amid Democratic efforts to limit federal-local ties on immigration. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul last week called on state lawmakers to end the 287(g) program, which lets local officers handle some federal immigration tasks.

Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, criticized Hochul's move. Other Democratic-led states have taken similar steps to block federal immigration work.

"Instead of working with us, Governor Hochul is choosing to release violent criminals from her jails directly back into our communities to perpetrate more crimes and create more victims," Bis said.

The gang member's record also includes felony firearm possession, vehicle theft, battery and giving false identification to police.