In a recent press release, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expressed its concern over the release of an illegal immigrant, who had been arrested for sexually assaulting a minor, back into the community by local authorities.

This action was taken despite ICE's detainer request on the individual.

The individual in question, a 26-year-old Honduran national residing illegally in the U.S., was apprehended by deportation officers shortly after his local arrest and subsequent charge of first-degree sexual assault of a minor. ICE's apprehension took place on April 4 in New Britain, Connecticut, following his release from local custody.

ICE had sought to assume custody of the individual while he was still in local detention. However, their detainer request was ignored by the Hartford Correctional Center, an action that ICE warns poses a significant risk to communities.

Todd M. Lyons, Boston Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations, voiced his concern in the press release, stating, "This is a disturbing example of how noncooperative jurisdictions can pose a significant threat to communities in our region." He further added, "Despite the presence of an immigration detainer, local authorities released an alleged sexual predator onto the streets of a Connecticut neighborhood."

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The press release also revealed that the Honduran national had illegally crossed into the U.S. near Rio Grande City, Texas, in August 2013. Upon his arrest by Customs and Border Protection agents, he was given a notice to appear before an immigration judge and was subsequently released to family in New Britain.

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The individual was later arrested and charged by New Britain police with first-degree sexual assault against a minor under the age of 13 and illegal sexual contact with a minor on September 14, 2023. Following this, ICE lodged a detainer request for him with the Hartford Correctional Center. However, the officials at the correctional center disregarded the detainer and released him on February 1, 2024.

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ICE officers were able to locate and apprehend the Honduran national without incident on April 4, and he is currently in federal custody pending removal proceedings.

ICE reiterated its call for local jurisdictions to cooperate with them to ensure community safety. "ERO Boston stands ready to work with local jurisdictions to prioritize public safety throughout New England," Lyons stated.

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Detainer requests are lodged by ICE when a suspected illegal alien is placed into custody at a local or state detention facility. These requests ask the facility or law enforcement agency to notify ICE in advance if they plan on releasing the alien and to maintain custody long enough to allow ICE agents time to make an apprehension.

However, many sanctuary cities and other jurisdictions have enacted policies that strictly prohibit local law enforcement officials from cooperating with ICE agents, leading to the disregard of many detainer requests.