C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers at Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridge Apprehend Florida Woman Wanted on Multiple State Felony Charges

(Friday, November 06, 2009)

Hidalgo, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridge apprehended a Florida woman wanted by the state of Florida on multiple state felony charges.

On November 5, CBP officers working at the Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridge came in contact with a northbound female traveler. At primary, the traveler was identified as Kimberly Ilene Mendez, a U.S. citizen, age 37 from Lehigh Acres, Fla. The primary CBP officer conducted a database check on Mendez. The computer check, identified Mendez as a fugitive wanted by the state of Florida, Miami Dade Police Department.

The warrant indicated that Mendez was wanted on felony state charges that included racketeering, fraud, grand theft, false representation and money laundering. After her arrest, Mendez was transferred to the custody of the Hidalgo, Texas Police Department. Mendez remains incarcerated and is to be extradited back to the state of Florida.

Hector A. Mancha, CBP port director, Hidalgo/Pharr said, “Our database systems play a major role in the enforcement work our frontline officers do.â€