C.B.P. News Release

C.B.P. Apprehends Fugitive Wanted by A.T.F.

(Wednesday, February 25, 2009)

Brownsville, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge apprehended a Brownsville, Texas man on an active warrant from ATF for allegedly making false statements when buying firearms.

On February 25, at 6:50 a.m., CBP officers’ primary queries of a male subject at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge indicated the man may possibly be a wanted person. CBP officers escorted Ismael Padilla Jr., 27, a U.S. citizen and resident of Brownsville, Texas for an intensive examination.

CBP officers’ further checks of a CBP database identified Ismael Padilla Jr., as the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Washington D.C. The outstanding warrant on a federal charge of making false statements when buying firearms was issued on February 24. CBP officers arrested Ismael Padilla Jr., and subsequently turned him over to the custody of ATF agents who transported him to the Cameron County Jail.

“CBP officers’ commitment to the protection of our nation’s borders prevented this man wanted on a federal firearms purchase warrant from evading law enforcement officers. The use of a CBP database assisted CBP officers with the quick execution of this warrant and the subsequent arrest of the subject. CBP officers are vital to the mission of protecting our nation,â€