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February 9, 2022Las Vegas, NV, United StatesChild Exploitation

ICE removes Mexican national wanted on child rape charges

Juan Ruperto Perez-Avila, 52, wanted in Mexico for aggravated rape of a child, entered the U.S. without inspection April of 2012, near El Paso, Texas and was returned to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry, California.

LAS VEGAS — Aligned with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) civil immigration enforcement priorities, ICE removed an unlawfully present foreign fugitive and public safety threat Feb. 3.

Juan Ruperto Perez-Avila, 52, wanted in Mexico for aggravated rape of a child, entered the U.S. without inspection April of 2012, near El Paso, Texas and was returned to Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry, California.

“ICE officers stand ready to assist our national and international law enforcement partners 24 hours a day,” said acting Field Office Director Jason Knight. “The arrest of Perez sends a clear message that we will not tolerate public safety threats – in this case violent criminals that target children – hiding in our communities.”

Perez was convicted of two felony drug offenses and was released to ICE custody on Oct. 20, 2021. Perez was also granted three voluntary returns to Mexico after illegally entering the U.S. between 1998 - 2000 and was convicted of misdemeanor offenses in California and Utah in 1991 and 1992.

ERO San Diego’s Special Response Team (SRT) in conjunction with officials from the Secretaria De Gobernacion Instituto Nacional De Migracion in Tijuana, Mexico facilitated the return of Perez to his country of origin. Perez was issued a warrant of arrest by the Director General De La Policia Ministerial in Hildago, Mexico, for aggravated rape of a minor in 2005. Perez was ordered removed to Mexico Oct. 20, 2021, due to the aggravated felony conviction.

The SRT was activated to remove Perez due to his violent background. SRT members are trained to serve high-risk warrants under hazardous conditions, escort dangerous criminals who have been ordered removed and assist local law enforcement agencies during critical incidents.

Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to call the ICE Tip Line at (866) DHS-2-ICE or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. Tips can also be submitted through ICE’s online tip form.

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