Federal officials say the Mexican national previously deported should be transferred to immigration custody.
Newark, NJ – Federal immigration officials are urging New Jersey authorities to transfer an Ocean County man accused of sexually assaulting a minor to federal custody instead of releasing him back into the community.
The Department of Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer for Gerardo Garcia Gonzalez, a Mexican national who authorities say previously entered the United States illegally and was deported before returning.
Key Points
- ICE placed a detainer on Gerardo Garcia Gonzalez following an arrest in Ocean County
- Federal officials say he had previously been deported from the United States
- DHS is asking New Jersey officials to transfer him to federal immigration custody
Federal officials request cooperation
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Gonzalez was arrested March 2 by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and is accused of sexually assaulting a victim between the ages of 13 and 15.
Authorities say the charges include criminal sexual contact and sexual assault by force or coercion.
ICE issued an immigration detainer following the arrest, requesting that local authorities notify federal agents before Gonzalez is released so he can be transferred into federal custody.
DHS criticizes sanctuary policies
In a statement to the New York Post, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis criticized sanctuary policies that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
“This individual should never have been able to prey on children in the first place,” Bis said. “We are calling on New Jersey officials to ensure that he is not released back into communities.”
Federal officials say Gonzalez was first deported after illegally entering the United States in 2001 and later re-entered the country.
Detainer requests not always honored
Immigration detainers are requests from federal authorities asking local jails to hold a person for up to 48 hours after their scheduled release so ICE agents can take custody.
New Jersey’s sanctuary-style policies limit how local law enforcement agencies can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in certain situations.
Federal officials say they want Gonzalez transferred into immigration custody if he is released from local detention.