Honduran illegal immigrant released after sexual assault against a minor charges arrested again in Boston

The 26-year-old Honduran national, arrested for first-degree sexual assault of a minor, was apprehended in New Britain by ERO Boston's Hartford field office on April 4. Despite ICE issuing an immigration detainer, local officials released him from the Hartford Correctional Center.

The Honduran national illegally entered the country in 2013 near Rio Grande City, where he was arrested by Border Patrol and issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge.

In September 2023, he was arrested in New Britain for sexual assault charges, including the assault of a minor under the age of 13.

ERO Boston lodged a detainer against him with the Hartford Correctional Center the following month, but officials ignored it and released him in February 2024. He is now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, according to the federal agency.

"This is a disturbing example of how noncooperative jurisdictions can pose a significant threat to communities in our region,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons.

“Despite the presence of an immigration detainer, local authorities released an alleged sexual predator onto the streets of a Connecticut neighborhood. ERO Boston stands ready to work with local jurisdictions to prioritize public safety throughout New England.”

This incident follows a similar occurrence earlier this month, where Boston ICE criticized Middlesex County House of Corrections for ignoring a detainer for a Brazilian national charged with child sex crimes.

Detainers serve to notify law enforcement to maintain custody of noncitizens for an additional 48 hours for ICE's removal purposes.