DHS issues a hold for undocumented immigrant charged with rape in California

Department of Homeland Security Moves for Detention in California Case

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated a detention request in California on Thursday concerning an illegal immigration case described by a state official as “the most heinous crime we’ve ever seen.”

DHS emphasizes that sanctuary jurisdictions must adhere to the requirements of ICE regarding detainees for the sake of public safety and national security. However, progress in these areas has been lacking. One state official expressed hope that this case might prompt a change in attitude among these jurisdictions.

Enrique Bautista-Vazquez, a 20-year-old from Mexico, is facing serious charges including rape and sexual assault against a victim deemed “particularly vulnerable.” He is currently being held in Indio following an alleged incident in Cathedral City, according to reports.

The Trump administration informed that a detention request was submitted to the city of Sacramento, with a senior DHS official referring to the alleged crime as one of the most severe they’ve encountered.

On December 31, Bautista-Vazquez reportedly encountered a 14-year-old autistic girl who had a tendency to wander from home on a local college campus. Authorities allege that he convinced her to follow him through a business area and back to his residence. Reports indicate that he forced the girl to engage in sexual acts against her will.

Investigators later traced Bautista-Vazquez to his home, where they discovered bloodstains on clothing and bedding. Additionally, he was found in possession of a stolen Texas Social Security card and a fraudulent federal permanent resident card, confirmed by Cathedral City police.

An aide to Representative Noem shared that there is a push for California’s Governor Gavin Newsom to deviate from typical protocol and support the detention of Bautista-Vazquez.

“This despicable illegal alien raped and sodomized an autistic child,” commented Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, emphasizing that swift action was taken to file a detainer complaint. She expressed concern that Governor Newsom and California’s sanctuary policies may not cooperate in dealing with Bautista-Vazquez.

McLaughlin pointed out that California has released thousands of illegal immigrants guilty of violent crimes into the community, enabling further criminal behavior. She also highlighted that Bautista-Vazquez had been previously deported and released into the country again after a federal removal order dated December 16, 2024.

His formal charges in Riverside County include lewd acts with a minor and rape. The DHS also reminded victims of “illegal alien crimes” that support is available through the Office of Immigrant Crime and Victim Services.