ICE arrests illegal Guatemalan facing multiple child rape charges in Massachusetts
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently apprehended an illegal alien from Guatemala in Massachusetts, who has been charged with multiple counts of child rape. The 49-year-old, Jose Fernando-Perez, was taken into custody in Framingham, Massachusetts on Feb. 2 after being charged with three counts of forcible rape of a child and three counts of aggravated rape of a child.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston acting Field Office Director, Patricia H. Hyde, expressed concern over Fernando-Perez’s crimes, stating, “He posed a significant danger to the children of Massachusetts, and we will not tolerate such a threat to our community.” Fernando entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown date and location without proper inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration official.
In 2005, Fernando was arraigned in Lynn District Court for leaving the scene of an accident and having inaccurate license plates attached to his vehicle. He was convicted of these charges in 2012. Subsequently, he was arraigned for child rape in 2022, but the case was dismissed due to an indictment in the superior court.
ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Fernando in 2022, but the Essex County Superior Court released him on pretrial conditions, ignoring the detainer. However, on Feb. 2, Fernando was apprehended by ICE officers, served with a notice to appear before an immigration judge, and currently remains in custody.
Massachusetts Governor, Maura Healey, initially opposed Trump’s mass deportation efforts but has since changed her stance, clarifying that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state. She has taken a more centrist position on immigration enforcement and has urged legislative leaders to amend state laws regarding the sheltering of illegal immigrants.
Massachusetts Attorney General, Andrea Campbell, continues to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, emphasizing the importance of separating federal immigration enforcement from state and local law enforcement. Despite differing opinions within the state’s leadership, the focus remains on protecting communities and ensuring justice for victims of heinous crimes like child rape.
For more information on this developing story, stay tuned to Fox News for updates from reporters Bill Melugin, Peter Pinedo, Stephen Sorace, and Adam Shaw.
