C.B.P. News Release

Homicide Suspect Caught by CBP Officers

(Tuesday, May 12, 2009)

Calexico, Calif. - A man wanted by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department on charges of homicide was detained Monday afternoon by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico downtown port of entry, officials announced today.

Rafael Jesus Gastelum, a 48-year old U.S. citizen who resides in Oceanside, California, was detained at about 2:00 p.m. after he entered the port via the pedestrian primary lanes from Mexico. CBP officers performed a name check during the man's primary interview that led to the discovery of an outstanding arrest warrant for murder from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

A ten-fingerprint scan was administered utilizing the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System which confirmed Gastelum’s identity and the warrant. After confirmation calls were made to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Gastelum was placed in the custody of the Calexico Police Department and transported to the Imperial County Jail to await extradition to San Diego, California.

“The increased vigilance of our officers is helping to keep communities throughout this nation safer,â€