ERO removes Mexican fugitive wanted for sexual assault
SALT LAKE CITY – Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Salt Lake City office, removed an unlawfully present Mexican national July 6 who has an outstanding arrest warrant in Mexico for the crime of sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 14.
Jesus Ricardo Romero-Hernandez, 30, is wanted for aggravated equal violation, defined by Mexican authorities as a crime of sexual intercourse with a minor, or who for any reason, is unable to voluntarily engage in sexual relations or resist criminal conduct.
“This person is wanted for very serious charges, making this arrest and removal important for public safety both in the U.S. and Mexico,” said Jason Knight, acting field office director for Salt Lake City ERO. “The undeniable professionalism of our officers continues to be a keystone of transnational law enforcement in the pursuit of justice for victims of sex crimes.”
Romero-Hernandez entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in September 2016 at Otay Mesa, California. He overstayed the terms of his visa and was encountered by ICE officers at the Clark County Detention Center Jan. 20, 2021, following his arrest for sexual assault. ICE lodged an immigration detainer requesting notification of when Romero-Hernandez was released.
Romero-Hernandez was convicted of open or gross lewdness March 2, 2021, and was released from custody without notification to ICE June 28, 2021.
On Feb. 9, ERO Salt Lake City received a copy of the arrest warrant issued by the Agente del Ministerio Publico Adscritio, Baja California, Mexico.
Romero-Hernandez was arrested by ICE Feb. 11 without incident during a targeted enforcement operation and began immigration proceedings.
An immigration judge ordered Romero-Hernandez to be removed from the U.S. April 25; he was removed with custody transferred to authorities in Mexico upon arrival.
Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.
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