ICE Arrests Twice-Deported Child Predator in Houston

On November 4, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Walter Leonel Perez Rodriguez, a 33-year-old Salvadoran national who has been deported twice. His criminal history includes serious offenses like child sexual assault.

Rodriguez was convicted back in January 2013 for fondling and assaulting a minor under the age of 17. This conviction led to his first deportation that same year. However, details about the victim or specifics of the case have not been disclosed.

During the recent arrest, Rodriguez allegedly resisted and attacked an ICE officer by striking him in the face with a metal cup filled with hot coffee. This incident resulted in the officer suffering severe burns and requiring 13 stitches.

Brett Bradford, director of ICE’s Houston Field Office, spoke about the incident, stating, “This young officer’s life was forever changed due to the over-politicization of everyday law enforcement and misinformation spread by various media and advocacy groups. Rather than directing concerns to Congress, some choose to lash out at ICE personnel who are committed to safeguarding communities from dangerous criminals. This situation needs to be addressed before someone gets seriously hurt.”

Rodriguez has illegally re-entered the U.S. at least three times and faced deportation orders in 2013 and 2020. Throughout his time in the United States, he’s amassed multiple convictions, including the aforementioned sexual assault, DUI, and illegal re-entry. It remains unclear what offenses he might have committed in El Salvador.

Now, following his latest arrest, Rodriguez faces federal charges for unlawful re-entry and assault on a federal officer.

Authorities encourage anyone with information about illegal aliens or transnational gang members to report it by calling 1-866-347-2423 or using an online tip form.