ICE Arrests Guatemalan National After Local Release
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a Guatemalan national in Rhode Island just one day after he was released by local police. The man, who had been charged with soliciting sex from a minor, was freed on bond despite the serious nature of his allegations.
Jos Esantia Gopellesgomez, 29, was taken into custody by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) on July 12, following a ruling by a Rhode Island judge allowing his release on bond. Officials claim that Gopellesgomez entered the U.S. illegally at an unspecified time. He faced multiple charges, including commercial sexual offenses and soliciting minors for sexual acts.
This week, a statement was issued by Patricia Hyde, director of the ICE Boston Field Office. She expressed concern over the decision to release the suspect, stating:
“Josue Santiago Perez-Gomez has been charged with several serious crimes, which clearly indicate a threat to children in our community. When a judge approves the release of a child sex offender suspect shortly after his arrest, it raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the arrest in the first place. We’re fortunate that ICE officials managed to remove this dangerous individual from our city, especially when local authorities might have inadvertently allowed him to interact with the public again.”
HSI Special Agent Michael J. Kroll also commented, emphasizing that this case underscores HSI New England’s dedication to targeting individuals who pose risks to the community, particularly children.
Officials noted that Gopellesgomez will remain in ICE custody while removal procedures are underway.
According to a report from a Breitbart news journalist, Gopellesgomez is one of several illegal immigrants apprehended in New England during enforcement actions in July. ICE officials have categorized these individuals as some of the “most dangerous,” as they often include those charged or convicted of severe crimes like murder, rape, or sexual offenses against children.
