Accused Child Rapist Illegally in the U.S. Arrested by ICE Boston
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston announced on Thursday the arrest of a 19-year-old Guatemalan national accused of aggravated rape of a child. Stivenson Omar Perez-Ajtzalan was taken into custody on January 30 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he allegedly assaulted a victim more than 10 years his junior.
Perez was arraigned on felony charges in Lawrence District Court on December 20, 2024. ICE Boston Acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde stated that Perez not only showed a "blatant disregard" for U.S. immigration laws but also committed a heinous crime against a child.
"He came to this country to do harm, and now he must face the consequences of his actions," Hyde said. "ICE Boston remains committed to protecting public safety by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders from New England."
According to Fox News’ Bill Melugin, Perez was allegedly released back into the community by the court without notifying ICE. The agency was unable to file a detainer due to the swiftness of his release.
"Massachusetts continues to be the only state I’ve seen in my coverage that frequently releases aliens not only charged with child rape but aggravated child rape, without any notice to ICE," Melugin said.
Following his arrest, Perez was issued a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge and placed into removal proceedings. He remains in ICE custody.
Massachusetts has drawn national attention for its resistance to federal immigration enforcement efforts, particularly since President Donald Trump’s administration. In November, Governor Maura Healey declared that state police would "absolutely not" cooperate with mass deportation efforts, vowing to use "every tool in the toolbox" to protect residents.
However, Healey clarified in January that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state, despite a 2017 state Supreme Judicial Court ruling that significantly restricts law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, particularly in cases involving serious criminal charges.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
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