U.S. Border Patrol agents arrest felon near Hebbronville

A man with multiple convictions of violent acts has been arrested near Hebbronville as he tried to further himself into the country, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station detained 20 people near Texas 285, east of the town. Authorities then identified one individual as Santos Evaristo Maldonado, a 58-year old El Salvadoran citizen illegally present in the United States.

Further records check revealed that Maldonado was convicted in August 1994 in Suffolk County, New York, on the charges of attempted murder, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and assault with intent to cause serious injury with a weapon.

Border Patrol said his convictions carried out 12 years in prison. Further investigation also revealed that Maldonado had multiple prior deportations, including a prior felony prosecution for re-entry after deportation. He was turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

“Criminal (immigrants) that cannot enter the country legitimately often attempt to enter the country illegally between formal entry points. It is not until after they are arrested that we can identify who they are. This arrest highlights how criminal aliens attempt to blend in with other illegal aliens and are stopped by the diligent work of our agents. Border security is national security,” said Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak said.

To report suspicious activity such as human or drug smuggling, download the “USBP Laredo Sector” app or contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.