After a multiagency manhunt a dangerous human smuggler was arrested in San Ysidro.
Martel Valencia-Cortez, 39, turned himself in around 9:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. He will remain in custody due to an active federal arrest warrant for human smuggling.
Valencia-Cortez allegedly assaulted a Border Patrol Agent by throwing a large rock during a human smuggling attempt near Jacumba in November.
Following the assault the US Border Patrol, San Diego Sector launched a binational media and public outreach effort to expose Valencia-Cortez. An intensive multiagency effort took place along the border and ports of entry in California.
The effort was initiated within Joint Task Force-West, California Corridor, whose responsibility is to integrate Department of Homeland Security operations to secure the joint operating area.
“It is clear that the relentless effort by Joint Task Force-West partners pressured Martel Valencia-Cortez into a corner, forcing him to surrender to his arrest. This effort should send a clear message to anyone who would carry out the deplorable act of assaulting a federal agent. I applaud the collective fortitude displayed by all involved Joint Task Force-West components and the government of Mexico for the arrest of this individual,” Richard A. Barlow, Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector said.
Valencia-Cortez has been involved in human smuggling since 1999. He is often armed and has resorted to violent and dangerous tactics to avoid arrest.
