Deming Border Patrol agents apprehend wanted murder suspect

U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Deming Station in New Mexico recently apprehended a Mexican national who is wanted by Mexican authorities on homicide charges.

The incident occurred on Jan. 3 as border agents spotted several individuals entering the United States through camera technology. Guided by a camera operator, the agents tracked the group to a remote area just north of the West Columbus, New Mexico Port of Entry and found them attempting to conceal themselves in nearby brush.

After a brief round of questioning at the scene, each individual admitted to being in the country illegally and was subsequently arrested and transported to the Deming Border Patrol Station for further processing.

A standard background check revealed one of the individuals, Francisco Esparza Gallegos, had an extensive criminal history in Mexico and was wanted by authorities for murder. After confirming the charges with the Attorney General of Mexico, Gallegos was transported to the Luna County Detention Center while he awaits prosecution for illegal entry into the United States and will later be extradited back to Mexico on his charges.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry.