CALEXICO, CA. – Last week, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the El Centro Sector arrested Juan Melgarejo-Herrera, a known Paisa gang member.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, at about 7:30 a.m., agents apprehended Melgarejo-Herrera, in the east desert region of Calexico hours after he illegally entered into the United States. A records checks revealed that the 35-year-old Melgarejo-Herrera, a Mexican national, is a member of the Paisa prison gang with an extensive criminal and immigration history.
Paisas are a prison gang made up of inmates from Mexico. The name comes from the Spanish word “paisano,” or countryman.
Melgarejo has a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute for which he served 36 months prison time in Utah. Melgarejo has several charges for re-entry after deportation and was previously ordered removed from the U.S. by an Immigration Judge in October 2008.
U.S. Border Patrol will process Melgarejo-Herrera accordingly.