Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers recently apprehended a Mexican national who had been convicted of child sexual assault, released on parole, and subsequently absconded from electronic monitoring. The individual, whose name has not been released, was convicted in Cook County, Illinois, in 2019 and sentenced to six years imprisonment. He was granted parole with electronic monitoring in April 2023, under the conditions that he register as a sex offender, reside in a halfway house, and remain under the supervision of state parole officers.
However, on May 30th, he removed his electronic monitor and disappeared. This triggered a multi-day search involving the Illinois Department of Corrections, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and ICE’s Chicago Fugitive Operations Team. He was located and taken into custody on June 2nd as part of a targeted enforcement operation.
Acting ERO Chicago Field Office Director Ladeon Francis emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in safeguarding communities, stating that law enforcement works tirelessly to remove dangerous individuals from the streets. He also highlighted the vital role of public vigilance and reporting in enhancing public safety.
While the individual is currently back in Illinois Department of Corrections custody to complete his sentence, ICE has lodged an immigration detainer. This ensures that upon completion of his prison term, he will be transferred to ICE custody for deportation proceedings.
This incident follows recent reports from U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz detailing the apprehension of four convicted sex offenders at the border within a single week, and the estimated 5,700 undocumented individuals who evaded apprehension.
This case underscores the ongoing concerns regarding border security and the potential risks associated with individuals entering the country illegally. Recent incidents involving an MS-13 gang member on an international watchlist and a smuggling operation involving a Mexican national, firearms, drugs, and undocumented individuals further highlight these concerns.
