The Border Patrol uses the world's most advanced gear, linked to the FBI, to instantly identify illegal immigrants who are suspects in crimes.

GABRIELA RICO

More than 4,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records were busted last year by Tucson sector Border Patrol agents using the world's most advanced biometric tracking system.
The latest suspect, a sex offender with a warrant out of Los Angeles, was picked up near Douglas on Thursday.

Victor Manuel Grande, 42, a citizen of El Salvador, was caught by agents and processed through the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, which revealed an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Los Angeles, according to Andy Adame, spokesman for the Border Patrol's Tucson sector.

Grande's criminal record includes arrests for sex offenses dating back to 1989.

He is in the custody of the Border Patrol, pending extradition to California.

Adame characterized the tracking system, which the Border Patrol has used for the past two years, as "the most advanced biometric system in the world" and said it is an effective tool to keep criminals from sneaking into the country.

"The Border Patrol is committed to patrolling our nation's borders and protecting the homeland," he said. "The arrest of this wanted felon removes a criminal element from our community."

The identification system, which is linked to the FBI, uses a five-finger scan and instantly reveals any criminal record or outstanding warrant, Adame said.

Burglary, rape and even murder suspects have been captured by using the system, he said.

Adame said law officers often will ask the Border Patrol for help in finding people suspected of having fled into Mexico to avoid arrest.

Because illegal immigrants with criminal records often give false names, the five-digit fingerprint, along with digital photo, helps assure their identity, Adame said.

During the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, agents turned 4,025 people over to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution after using the tracking system.