Federal Immigration Authorities Pursue Custody of Alleged Child Abuser

Federal immigration officials are working to take custody of a man described as a “sick monster,” accused of nearly strangling a baby to death.

As reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has submitted a case regarding Alvaro Mezia Ayala. He, a 23-year-old undocumented immigrant, was apprehended in Loudon County, Virginia. It’s noted that he had previously been allowed to remain in the U.S. due to the policies of earlier administrations, despite his recent actions.

DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed outrage, stating, “What kind of sick monsters strangle an unprotected, innocent baby girl with a charging cord? This behavior is unacceptable in the United States.” She further mentioned that ICE’s efforts aim to prevent this criminal from being released into society. “President Trump and Secretary Noem made it clear; criminals who are illegal aliens do not belong here. Our thoughts are with the innocent child,” she added.

According to DHS, Mezia Ayala initially entered the U.S. with family in 2016, receiving release under the Obama administration. More recently, his immigration status case was rejected by the Biden administration in October 2024, which allowed him to remain in the country unlawfully.

Previously, he had been arrested for reckless driving in 2024 but was released before ICE could take him into custody.

The Leesburg Police responded to an emergency call regarding the infant not breathing on September 17th. The baby remains hospitalized and is in critical condition. Reportedly, witnesses heard Mezia Ayala admit he had been playing with the baby and might have harmed her. Responding officers found the infant unresponsive with a charging cable wrapped around her neck.

Currently, he faces charges of felony strangulation, though additional charges may follow, depending on the child’s recovery.

As immigration enforcement remains a contentious issue in Virginia, it will be a focal point as voters approach the off-year elections in November. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has indicated plans to reverse an executive order from the current GOP governor that mandates cooperation between law enforcement and ICE agents.