ICE Arrests Egyptian National in Connection with Rape Incident

On Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended an Egyptian man, Mena Mohsen Fares Nun Awad, 31, who is accused of assaulting a 16-year-old girl in her sleep on New Year’s Eve in Tennessee.

According to reports, Awad allegedly broke into an apartment in Nashville and attacked the girl as she slept beside her nephew. It was discovered that the victim had a handgun tucked into her waistband during the incident.

Following the assault, the girl managed to flee and told her nephew that she wouldn’t report what happened if Awad left.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noted that Awad has a troubling history of violence since his arrival in the U.S. via the Diversity Visa Program back in 2017. His previous charges include domestic violence, intimidation, weapons possession, violating a court order, and vehicle theft.

Assistant Secretary of State Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the flaws in immigration policies that allowed an individual like Awad to enter the country, emphasizing that this case has a negative impact on children and families. She mentioned the suspension of the Diversity Lottery to prevent further harm to Americans.

McLaughlin also assured that individuals detained by ICE will not be freed to cause more harm in the community.

After the incident, the victim’s sister was contacted, leading authorities to take action once Awad had left the scene.

Awad was arrested by police in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 16 and subsequently extradited to Tennessee. He faces several charges, including aggravated rape with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated robbery.