Ajo, California - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Ajo Station arrested a repeat felony offender on September 25 near Ajo.

Alberto De La Cruz-Werner, a Guatemalan national, was found to be in the country illegally and was taken to the Ajo station for processing where his lengthy criminal history was discovered during a records check.

De La Cruz Werner, was found to have multiple assault and battery convictions, including assault with intent to rape in 2012 in Essex County, Massachusetts, where he served time at the Cedar Junction Massachusetts Correctional Institute for his crimes.

This is De La Cruz’s second arrest by U.S. Border Patrol agents since July. He has been deported on multiple occasions and will face prosecution for illegal reentry of an aggravated felon.

All persons apprehended by the Border Patrol undergo criminal history checks using biometrics to ensure illegal immigrants with criminal histories are positively identified.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free.