Illegal Immigrant Charged with Rape of Underage Girl in Montana

An undocumented immigrant released in the U.S. during the previous administration is facing serious allegations. Walter Jesús Travieso Soto, a Venezuelan national, has been charged with felony sexual intercourse with a minor and strangulation in Flathead County, Montana.

Soto’s girlfriend tragically died in a car accident in 2024, leaving her three children in his care, despite no familial ties. In May 2025, the deceased woman’s sister reported concerns to the police after discovering inappropriate images on Soto’s phone involving her eldest daughter.

Following this discovery, custody of the children was transferred to their aunt. The girl later informed authorities that Soto had assaulted her multiple times and had also strangled her on one occasion.

Soto was able to enter Montana due to a catch-and-release policy from 2023, which was enforced by Alejandro Mayorkas during the Biden administration. This policy allowed him to be released into the U.S. after crossing the border illegally.

“This individual has committed horrific acts against his deceased girlfriend’s child,” stated Lauren Biss from the Department of Homeland Security. She emphasized the implications of the catch-and-release policy in allowing Soto to enter the country.

Soto currently remains in local custody, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated a motion for his transfer to federal custody upon his release.