U.S. Border Patrol agents arrest convicted child sex offender

MONROE, Mich. - U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Gibraltar Station arrested an alien from Germany, convicted of criminal sexual conduct with a child, Dec. 5.

Silvio Berge, 60, was in the United States on a visa and was charged with solicitating a child for sex last March when the teenager he thought he was messaging turned out to be an undercover officer.

Berge's arrest and subsequent conviction resulted from the combined effort of Homeland Security Investigations special agents and victim assistance specialists, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Violent Internet Predator Exploitation Response Team - VIPER. U.S. Border Patrol agents took custody of Berge after his release from jail because his crimes resulted in the revocation of his visa. Berge will be deported from the United States.

"Our agents, working closely with our law enforcement partners, continue to strengthen border security and protect the communities we serve," said Detroit Sector Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo, Jr. "This case highlights the comprehensive nature of our immigration enforcement mission, from apprehending those who attempt to illegally enter the United States to aggressively targeting individuals who violate our nation's laws and endanger public safety. When a person abuses the privilege of legal entry, we act decisively, including the revocation of their immigration status, to ensure accountability and safeguard our communities."

Berge was convicted of accosting, enticing or soliciting child for immoral purpose and served nearly nine months in the Monroe County Jail. Upon his release on Dec. 5, U.S. Border Patrol agents immediately took him into custody due to the revocation of his visa. He will be deported from the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 67,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

• Topics
• Arrests
• Border Security
• Enforcement
• U.S. Border Patrol