The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, a 27-year-old Guatemalan illegal immigrant, accused of raping a 5-year-old girl on Long Island, New York. The arrest occurred despite New York State’s sanctuary laws that restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Arrest Following Local Police Investigation
Reynoso was babysitting the child as a favor when the incident reportedly occurred on February 1. The girl’s mother found her bleeding and took her to a hospital, where she was transferred to a specialty facility for a rape kit examination and surgery to repair internal injuries. Local police initially charged Reynoso with endangering the welfare of a child. Due to bail reform laws and DNA results pending, he could not be held on more serious charges immediately.
To circumvent sanctuary restrictions, local police issued Reynoso a desk appearance ticket and released him from the precinct, where ICE agents arrested him as he was leaving. DNA later linked Reynoso to the rape, leading to additional charges including predatory sex assault against a child, sexual abuse, and resisting arrest.
DHS Highlights Interagency Cooperation Amid Sanctuary Laws
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis emphasized the importance of local law enforcement cooperation with ICE in protecting communities. She stated the arrest prevented Reynoso from remaining free to potentially harm other children. DHS noted that seven of the 10 safest U.S. cities have formal agreements to cooperate with ICE.
Last week, an immigration judge issued Reynoso a final order of removal from the United States. DHS called the case an example of navigating legal challenges posed by sanctuary policies to enforce immigration laws in serious criminal cases.
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