U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Buffalo station recently apprehended a previously-deported migrant with ties to the international criminal gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
Border Patrol agents were called for assistance by the Lancaster Police Department on Sept. 30 in the arrest of 30-year-old Savier Ayala. After a brief records check, the agents discovered Ayala had previously been deported due to a DUI conviction back in 2010. Ayala has several tattoos consistent with MS-13 gang affiliation and told the agents that he joined the gang while living in North Carolina. Ayala also admitted that he re-entered the United States in 2014 near Douglas, Ariz.
Ayala is being held without bond pending his removal from the country.
“The arrest of this individual highlights the cooperation between law enforcement agencies in bringing dangerous criminals to justice,” Jeff Wilson, patrol agent in charge of the Buffalo station, said. “I commend our agents and the Lancaster Police Department for their commitment to securing our nation.”
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.