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Texas Mounted Officers Capture Previously Deported Child Predator Near Border
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) mounted officers apprehended a previously deported child predator during a New Year’s Day border security operation in Maverick County, officials announced Tuesday.
The arrest occurred as part of Operation Lone Star, the state’s ongoing border security initiative, in an area just south of Del Rio, Texas, along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Officers from the Border Mounted Patrol Unit captured Marcio Steven Izaguirre, a 41-year-old Honduran national, after being alerted to his presence by a motion-activated camera on private ranch land at approximately 10:30 a.m. on January 1.
Body camera footage released by the DPS shows mounted troopers navigating rocky desert terrain before discovering Izaguirre hiding in thick brush. The video depicts the officers issuing commands for him to exit his hiding place before handcuffing him and leading him away on horseback.
Further investigation revealed that Izaguirre has a significant criminal history and has been deported multiple times since 2004. According to the DPS, his record includes 2008 convictions from Cobb County, Georgia, for child molestation, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
Following his arrest, Izaguirre was transferred to U.S. Border Patrol custody for processing.
“This operation prevented gotaways and is a way of keeping Texas safe,” said Lt. Chris Olivarez, a Texas DPS spokesperson, in a social media post. He noted that the New Year’s Day operation, which involved collaboration with Border Patrol agents and a K-9 unit named “Bona,” resulted in the apprehension of five individuals who had crossed the border illegally.
The arrest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies along the southern border. Texas shares approximately 1,254 miles of border with Mexico—more than half of the entire U.S.-Mexico boundary—making it a focal point for border security operations.
Texas has taken a notably firm stance on immigration enforcement compared to other border states. It is the only southern border state with explicit laws prohibiting sanctuary jurisdictions, and state legislation requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
The state’s approach includes mandating that county sheriffs seek agreements with federal authorities under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows state and local officers to perform immigration law enforcement functions.
Operation Lone Star, launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in March 2021, represents the state’s most comprehensive border security initiative to date. The operation involves deploying state troopers, National Guard members, and other resources to high-threat areas along the border to combat human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal immigration.
The use of mounted patrols, as demonstrated in this case, provides tactical advantages in difficult terrain where vehicles cannot easily navigate. These units allow officers to cover more ground in remote areas and access locations that would otherwise serve as effective hiding places for individuals crossing the border illegally.
Border security remains a contentious political issue, with Texas officials frequently criticizing federal policies and taking independent action to address what they characterize as inadequate enforcement at the national level.
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12 Comments
Good work by the Border Patrol in apprehending this repeat child predator offender. Enforcing our borders and keeping criminals out is crucial for public safety.
Absolutely, we need to remain vigilant against predators trying to slip across the border. This arrest likely prevented further harm to innocent victims.
This incident underscores the important work our border agents do to identify and apprehend dangerous individuals trying to enter the country. Their efforts help keep us safe.
Kudos to the mounted patrol officers for their diligence in tracking down and arresting this suspect. Their specialized skills were clearly put to good use.
It’s disturbing to hear this individual has been deported multiple times but kept trying to re-enter illegally. Strengthening border security is clearly an ongoing priority.
Agreed, we can’t allow repeat criminal offenders to keep exploiting our immigration system. Tough but fair enforcement is necessary to protect our communities.
The details of this criminal’s history are very concerning. We need to ensure our borders remain secure and that dangerous individuals like this are not allowed to enter or re-enter the country.
You’re right, this case highlights the importance of maintaining strong border controls and quickly deporting repeat offenders. Public safety must be the top priority.
Glad to see the authorities were able to capture this child predator before he could cause any more harm. Cracking down on repeat offenders like this should be a top priority.
Absolutely, we can’t let criminals take advantage of our immigration system. Rigorous enforcement and swift deportation are essential to protect the vulnerable.
This arrest demonstrates the vigilance and effectiveness of our Border Patrol agents in identifying and apprehending threats to public safety. Their work is critical for protecting our communities.
Agreed, the Border Patrol’s specialized skills and dedication are essential for keeping dangerous criminals from slipping across the border. This arrest was clearly a win for public security.