ICE Arrests Deportee Accused of Kidnapping
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended a man who had been deported three times, suspecting him of kidnapping a young girl. This incident occurred after New York, known for its sanctuary policies, released him from prison.
On March 28, police in Long Island, New York, reported that Carlos Cortecorte, 38, originally from Ecuador, allegedly took a 4-year-old girl from a laundromat while she was with her mother. Fortunately, several hours later, the girl was located at a nearby library.
Following his initial arrest on charges of kidnapping and child abuse, Cortecorte was set free without being handed over to ICE, a situation that stems from New York’s strict sanctuary laws which shield undocumented migrants from federal enforcement actions.
On March 31, ICE agents arrested Cortecorte and initiated deportation proceedings.
“This three-time deported individual, Carlos Cortecorte, kidnapped an innocent 4-year-old girl from a laundromat on Long Island,” remarked a representative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), emphasizing the troubling nature of the incident. In their statement, they criticized the choices made by local lawmakers:
“Instead of collaborating with ICE, New York’s sanctuary politicians opted to release this kidnapper back into the community, allowing him to potentially target more innocent children. This approach prioritizes politics over public safety, leading to increased crimes and more victims. Thanks to ICE, we are working to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”
Cortecorte had illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border three times in 2020 and was deported each time. Unbeknownst to federal authorities, he managed to cross again for a fourth time, ultimately making his way to Long Island.
In a letter sent several months ago, ICE Director Todd Lyons urged New York Attorney General Letitia James to intervene and help prevent the routine release of criminals who are undocumented immigrants from state and local facilities. However, Lyons’ office did not receive a response.
Between January 20 and December 1, 2025, New York City reportedly released around 7,000 undocumented individuals from prison, often ignoring ICE detainer requests.
