Department of Homeland Security Cooperation in New York
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is highlighting its collaboration with local authorities in New York, aiming to keep an illegal immigrant, accused of raping a 5-year-old girl on Long Island, off the streets. This comes despite state laws that typically limit such cooperation.
Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, a 27-year-old from Guatemala, was babysitting the girl as a favor to her mother. When the mother returned home on February 1, she found the child injured and bleeding, which led to a trip to the hospital.
At the hospital, the girl underwent surgery and was given a rape kit. It’s worth noting that local law enforcement sources provided this information.
DHS Claims Successes Against Child Predators
As the DNA processing is pending, it appears that Reynoso might initially face only a charge of endangering a child’s welfare under New York’s bail reform laws, which prevent prosecutors from asking for bail. Furthermore, federal immigration authorities wouldn’t have been able to detain him under the sanctuary laws in place.
“Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was charged with raping a 5-year-old child in New York. While local law enforcement processed DNA evidence and established the case, our team reached out to ICE to ensure this individual would not be released into our community,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss.
Another Arrest Involving a Repeat Offender
A separate case has emerged involving a Honduran man, who was arrested for pushing an elderly Air Force veteran onto subway tracks in New York. This man has been deported four times.
As for Reynoso, he was given a citation for endangerment, allowing him to be processed at a police station before being released. However, agents from ICE apprehended him as he was leaving the police station shortly after the alleged assault. Subsequent DNA tests confirmed his involvement.
On Monday, charges against Reynoso were upgraded to include predatory sexual assault of a child and sexual abuse, among others.
Biss emphasized, “This incident shows why we need the cooperation of local law enforcement. When we work together, our communities are safer.” The DHS pointed out that seven of the ten safest cities actively cooperate with ICE.
Recently, Reynoso received a final deportation order from an immigration judge, signaling a potential end to his time in the United States.
