An ICE agent apprehended a Guatemalan man, Josue Santiago Perez Gomez, shortly after he was released by Rhode Island authorities. This guy had been charged with multiple child sex offenses, which certainly raises eyebrows. The charges include commercial sexual activity, soliciting indecent sexual conduct from a child, and patronizing minors for sexual acts.
Perez Gomez was initially arrested by the Portsmouth Police Department on July 12, but despite ICE filing a request for his detention, he was released just a few hours later, according to ICE. It seems this was a misstep on the police’s part, as they didn’t honor the immigration hold.
Portsmouth police haven’t responded to inquiries about the situation. Earlier in the day, ICE Boston did manage to arrest him for immigration violations and provided a notice for him to appear before an immigration judge. ICE representatives noted that Perez Gomez poses a “clear threat” to children.
Patricia Hyde, acting field office director for Boston, expressed serious concerns, stating, “What is the reasoning behind releasing someone charged with such serious allegations on the very day of their arrest?” She emphasized that fortunately, ICE agents were able to remove him from the streets before he could potentially re-offend.
Interestingly, it’s unclear just when Perez Gomez crossed into the United States or how he managed it. Records show he wasn’t tested or admitted to any hospital, nor was he on parole from a US immigration officer.
The ongoing saga raises questions about how such individuals slip through the cracks. Perez Gomez will remain in ICE custody while his removal process unfolds.
