Detention Motion Filed for Immigration Suspect in Montana

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has submitted a motion to detention, requesting that Montana officials keep in custody an undocumented immigrant accused of raping his late girlfriend’s daughter.

Walter Jesús Travieso Soto, a 29-year-old who allegedly entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2023, is currently held in Flathead County facing serious charges of nonconsensual sexual conduct with a minor under 16, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The investigation into Soto began in May 2025 when he claimed to have taken over custody of the children following the death of his ex-girlfriend’s sister in a car accident in 2024.

According to reports, the sister of Soto’s late girlfriend raised concerns over guardianship, alleging that she found photos and videos of Soto behaving inappropriately with her niece. After gaining guardianship, the girl informed investigators that Soto had raped her multiple times and at one point had even strangled her.

Soto was apprehended on February 1 and is currently awaiting trial with a bail set at $200,000.

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss described Soto as a “monster” in a public statement, criticizing the Biden administration’s policies for allowing him into the country initially. Biss urged Montana authorities to transfer Soto to ICE custody, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children from harm.

Notably, after his girlfriend’s tragic passing, Soto had attempted to secure legal guardianship of one of the children. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him during his arraignment on April 9, and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 3.