Guatemalan national arrested in Providence on child molestation charges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended an unlawfully present citizen of Guatemala who is facing child sexual assault charges in Providence.

ICE said the man unlawfully entered the United States at an unknown time, and was arrested in Providence in March 2023 on felony child molestation charges.

ERO Boston lodged an immigration detainer against the Guatemalan citizen with the Adult Correctional Institute, but the man was released in April 2023 “by order of the Sixth District Court of Providence.”

“This Guatemalan national has disregarded U.S. immigration laws and has been charged with horrific crimes against a Rhode Island child,” ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons said. “We will continue to apprehend and remove egregious offenders who prey on the most vulnerable in our society.”

ICE said the man will remain in custody pending removal proceedings before a federal immigration judge. His charges in Providence are also pending.