A Colombian sex offender in the country illegally was released onto the streets by California authorities rather than sent for deportation, due to sanctuary state laws.
The sex offender, who’s identity has yet to emerge, was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three years younger and “oral copulation of a person under 18” and sentenced to four years in prison in December 2022, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Fifteen months later he was freed by San Bernardino County and a request from ICE to be notified of his release was not honoured, in accordance with state laws.
California assemblyman Bill Essayli said on X that “San Bernardino was FORCED” by the sanctuary state law “to protect this pedophile.”
The California Values Act of 2017 limits the amount state law enforcement can co-operate with federal authorities on immigartion issues, including preventing cops from asking about an individual’s immigration status and telling Border Patrol or ICE when a person is released from custody.
Once released, the Colombian national fled to Revere, Massachusetts, where officials co-operate with ICE. The offender was then arrested on April 2.
“This child sex offender’s presence in Massachusetts constitutes a significant threat to the children of our communities,” ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons said in a statement.
“He victimized a child in California before moving to Massachusetts. We simply cannot allow him to reoffend and abuse a child here. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing noncitizen sex predators from New England.”
It is unclear if officials knew his location because of his presence on a sex offenders register or because he was arrested by authorities for some other reason.
Revere Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto previously said in 2017 it would only become a sanctuary city over his “dead body.”
The offender had entered into the US in May 2021 with permission to remain in the country “for a temporary period.” However, he overstayed his visa. He was arrested in Victorville, Calif., on the sex offense charges.
The individual will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.