What Happened

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers arrested a Mexican national in Charlottesville, Virginia, who had previously been convicted of multiple child sex crimes. The 36-year-old man, identified in court records as having served time for aggravated sexual battery of a child under 13, was taken into custody after state authorities completed their criminal case. ICE confirmed that the arrest aligns with its stated focus on individuals who pose threats to public safety.

• The individual was convicted of multiple child sex offenses in Virginia courts.
• ICE located him through Enforcement and Removal Operations after release from local custody.
• The agency says he will face removal proceedings following his criminal sentence.

Context

The arrest follows ICE’s continued emphasis on targeting convicted criminals and repeat offenders under existing immigration law. ERO offices across the country routinely identify individuals for removal who have served time for violent or sexual crimes. Similar operations were reported this week in New York and California. ICE’s statement emphasized cooperation with local police departments and state corrections agencies to track releases of high-risk offenders.

“Our officers remain committed to locating and arresting noncitizens who pose a threat to public safety.” — Field Office Director, ICE ERO Washington

Why It Matters

• The case shows how ICE prioritizes enforcement against individuals with serious criminal histories, especially those involving minors.
• It highlights ongoing coordination between state justice systems and federal immigration enforcement to prevent early release without review.
• For immigrant communities, it underscores the importance of knowing rights and the process if contacted by federal officers.

What’s Next

The individual will remain in ICE custody pending immigration court proceedings. Removal actions typically depend on the outcome of administrative hearings and any appeals filed by counsel. ERO says it will continue joint operations with state and local partners to identify similar cases in the coming months.