SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston apprehended a 20-year-old Guatemalan national accused of child rape and assault in Massachusetts. The suspect, identified as Selvin Alex Galvez-Mejia, was taken into custody on Oct. 18 in Springfield, ICE officials said.
According to ERO Boston, Galvez-Mejia is charged with two counts of aggravated rape of a child and one count of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14. The Springfield District Court initially arraigned him on July 18 and later released him after he posted bail.
“Selvin Alex Galvez-Mejia stands accused of horrifically victimizing a Massachusetts child and represents a significant threat to our neighborhoods,” said ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde in a statement. Hyde emphasized that prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing such noncitizen threats is crucial.
ICE officials stated that Galvez-Mejia unlawfully entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by immigration authorities. Following his Oct. 18 arrest, Galvez-Mejia was issued a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.
Galvez-Mejia remains in ERO custody pending his immigration proceedings.
