NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations officers arrested Jose Hernandez Sanchez, a 42-year-old unlawfully present Mexican national with prior convictions for sexual abuse, in Brooklyn on Dec. 19.
Hernandez, who has a history of illegal entry into the United States, was taken into custody outside a residence in Brooklyn by ERO New York City’s fugitive operations team. He is currently being held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Hernandez was convicted of third-degree sexual abuse in two separate cases in New York City. In 2023, he was convicted in Queens County Criminal Court for abusing a 15-year-old girl and, in 2024, in Kings County Criminal Court for abusing a 40-year-old woman. Following the latter conviction, he was sentenced to probation and required to register as a sex offender.
“We will not tolerate predators taking advantage of public services such as the MTA to violate women and girls,” said Kenneth Genalo, ERO New York City field office director.
Hernandez, who had been deported multiple times in 2003 after being caught unlawfully crossing the border near Nogales, Arizona, reentered the U.S. at an unknown time and location. His case now proceeds through the federal immigration court system.
Hernandez’s arrest underscores continued efforts to locate and remove criminal noncitizens who pose a public safety threat.