U.S. Border Patrol arrests Romanian national identified in transnational organized crime alert

SAN DIEGO - U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to San Diego Sector last week arrested three Romanian nationals illegally present in the United States, including a suspected member of a Balkan organized-crime group.

On Oct. 9, 2026, San Clemente Border Patrol agents stopped a vehicle on Interstate 5 near Oceanside. The vehicle stop resulted in the arrest of all three occupants for illegally entering the United States from Canada between ports of entry.

Record checks identified one of the Romanians as a member of a Balkan organized-crime group. The illegal alien also had an active Virginia warrant related to the alleged illicit use of credit cards.

Additional investigative information connected the group to the reported theft of a Rolex watch from a Los Angeles County YMCA locker room in August 2026.

"Border Patrol agents remain vigilant in identifying and stopping individuals who may pose a threat to our communities," said Justin De La Torre, chief patrol agent for U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector. "This arrest demonstrates the value of strong border security, intelligence-driven enforcement, and close coordination among our law enforcement partners. Our agents' diligence helps prevent individuals with criminal ties from operating in our communities."

The three Romanian nationals were transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, for removal proceedings.

U.S. Border Patrol and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate criminal organizations that exploit borders and target communities throughout the United States.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation's borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.

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 70,000+ 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.

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• Criminal Alien
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