A 34-year-old Guatemalan previously convicted of indecent assault and battery on a minor under 14 was arrested by the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The man entered the U.S. illegally, and his removal is pending proceedings with a federal immigration judge. The Gloucester District Court released him despite ERO filing an immigration detainer and his convictions, which also include a separate assault and battery offense.
The Gloucester District Court previously disregarded the ERO immigration detainer, allowing the Guatemalan’s release. Known as a sexual offender, he was arrested without incident at the Essex County House of Corrections, where ERO Boston encountered him and issued another immigration detainer following the arrest.
ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons said the individual was a dire threat to Massachusetts residents
“Unlawfully present, convicted sex offenders should not be given the opportunity to re-offend. The victim of his crimes deserves better from our justice system,” Lyons stated. “The men and women of ERO Boston will continue to protect our communities from such threats.”