Illegal alien charged with incest, child sex crimes after girl gives birth in South Carolina parking lot

Federal immigration authorities have lodged a detainer against a Mexican national in South Carolina accused of sexually assaulting a minor, after the victim was discovered giving birth in a hospital parking lot. The case has drawn attention from federal officials, and it unfolded quickly over the course of several days.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on 43-year-old Luis Armando Argueta Montejo on April 17, ensuring he will be transferred to federal custody following local proceedings. He is currently facing state charges.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Montejo was arrested days after a female minor, believed to be between the ages of 11 and 14, was found giving birth in the parking lot of Oconee Memorial Hospital. Authorities say evidence collected by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office indicates Montejo had sexual intercourse with the victim.

Montejo has been charged with incest and three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a child. Officials said he told ICE he first entered the United States in 2006 and did not have a prior criminal record.

“This sicko should NEVER have been in our country to prey on children in the first place,” Acting Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement.

“He now faces charges for incest and multiple child sex crimes.”

DHS officials said the detainer was issued to prevent Montejo from being released after local proceedings conclude. “Prior to these horrific crimes, this illegal alien lacked a criminal record in the US,” Bis said.

“Under Secretary Mullin, ICE lodged an arrest detainer with South Carolina to ensure this monster is never loose in our communities again.” Bis also pointed to cooperation between state and federal authorities in the case.

“Thankfully, South Carolina cooperates with ICE law enforcement,” she said. “This is why we need cooperation from state and local partners, so together we can keep criminals off our streets and make America safe again.”