ERO Boston apprehends Guatemalan national wanted for child molestation in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston unit said that it apprehended an unlawfully present Guatemalan national recently arrested by Rhode Island police on first-degree child molestation and domestic assault charges.

ERO Boston said the unnamed man was arrested on April 10 after a Rhode Island judge released him before agents could gain custody of him.

The man was allegedly in the country since 2018, and a warrant for the child molestation and assault charges was issued in November 2022 by Providence police.

The agency said the man was arrested on Feb. 28, and he was then released by order of the Sixth District Court of Rhode Island. He was then arrested the same day.

“We believe it is in the interest of the community that jurisdictions honor our immigration detainers so that ICE can take direct custody of individuals like this who pose a threat to residents,” ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons said. “ERO Boston hopes to cooperate with our local partners in Rhode Island to help make safer neighborhoods for everyone in the state and throughout New England.”

ERO Boston earlier this year said that another Guatemalan national was released by a court in Rhode Island after a detainer was issued for them.