Los Angeles, CA — A Guatemalan national who illegally entered the United States in 2024 has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to producing and possessing child sexual abuse material involving his own special-needs niece and nephew, federal officials announced.
Angel Emilio Rodriguez-Marroquin received the sentence on May 18 in a California court following an investigation led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Rodriguez-Marroquin pleaded guilty to charges that included producing child sexual abuse material featuring his 8-year-old nephew and 8-year-old niece, both of whom have special needs.
The case has also triggered a separate child exploitation investigation in Guatemala that remains ongoing.
Children Exploited by Family Member
Federal officials said the victims were Rodriguez-Marroquin’s own relatives.
Investigators alleged that he produced and possessed child sexual abuse material involving the two children before authorities uncovered the crimes.
The severity of the offenses resulted in one of the lengthiest prison sentences handed down in a child exploitation case this year.
Rodriguez-Marroquin was arrested by HSI special agents in Los Angeles on Nov. 22, 2025.
International Investigation Continues
Beyond the California prosecution, Homeland Security officials said Rodriguez-Marroquin is also the subject of an active child exploitation investigation in Guatemala.
HSI is coordinating with international law enforcement partners as that investigation continues.
Federal authorities did not release additional details regarding the Guatemalan case.
Key Points
• Guatemalan national sentenced to 50 years in prison for child sexual abuse crimes.
• Victims included his 8-year-old special-needs niece and nephew.
• HSI says a separate child exploitation investigation remains active in Guatemala.
HSI Highlights Commitment to Child Protection
HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang said the sentence reflects the agency’s efforts to identify offenders and protect vulnerable children.
“The sentencing of Rodriguez Marroquin reflects Homeland Security Investigations’ unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from horrific acts of exploitation,” Wang said.
“This case demonstrates the dedication of HSI and our law enforcement partners to ensuring that perpetrators of child sexual abuse are held fully accountable for their crimes.”
Wang added that investigators will continue pursuing offenders involved in child exploitation both in the United States and internationally.
DHS Says Defendant Entered U.S. Illegally in 2024
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Rodriguez-Marroquin illegally entered the United States in 2024.
The agency stated that he was later released into the country before being identified and arrested during the child exploitation investigation.
Rodriguez-Marroquin now faces decades behind bars after pleading guilty to crimes involving the sexual exploitation of two young children. Authorities said the international investigation connected to the case remains ongoing.
child exploitation, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, child sexual abuse material, California crime, illegal immigration