High Speed Flight from Border Patrol Checkpoint Leads to Stint in Federal Prison

LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old resident of San Antonio was ordered to federal prison following his conviction of fleeing or evading checkpoint operated by a federal law enforcement agency, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez and Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Jose Martinez of the Laredo Sector Border Patrol. Mike Ramirez pleaded guilty Feb. 7, 2017.

On June 26, 2017, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Ramirez to federal prison for 19 months. The sentence will be immediately followed by three years in federal prison.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment in securing the border and keeping the Laredo and surrounding communities safe by working with the Assistant United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute those who break the law,” said Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Martinez.

On Aug. 10, 2016, Ramirez approached the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, as the driver of a 2007 Dodge Durango. Upon arrival, the inspecting agent noticed two sealed containers in the rear of the vehicle. A canine alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics and the agent advised Ramirez to proceed to the secondary inspection area. Instead, Ramirez did not stop at secondary and fled north away from the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. Pursuing agents were unable to catch up to Ramirez nor were Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s officers who had been notified.

He was later arrested several months later at his sister’s home in San Antonio.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and BP conducted the investigation. Officers with the San Antonio Police Department and Bexar County Sheriff assisted in the apprehension. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos prosecuted the case.