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STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno issued the following statement in connection with the apprehension of Rafael Resendez Ramirez.

"The search for Jose Angel Reyes-Resendez, also know as Rafael Resendez Ramirez, has been one of our top priorities for the past several weeks. I am so pleased that he is now in custody in the United States.

"Earlier this morning, Mr. Resendez presented himself at the Port of Entry in Ysleta, Texas, where INS officials confirmed his identity and paroled him into the United States for criminal prosecution. He is now in the custody of Texas State authorities.

"All Americans should be grateful for the hard work of the more than 200 federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have pursued this case. I also want to thank the Mexican authorities for their cooperation."

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