ICE Boston arrests Guatemalan man charged with aggravated child rape

An accused child rapist, Stivenson Omar Perez-Ajtzalan, a 19-year-old Guatemalan national, was recently arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston for aggravated rape of a child in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The victim, who is more than 10 years younger than Perez, was subjected to this heinous crime. Perez was arraigned on felony charges in Lawrence District Court on Dec. 20, 2024.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde expressed outrage at Perez’s actions, stating that he not only violated immigration laws but also committed a despicable act of sexual assault against a child. Hyde emphasized ICE Boston’s commitment to protecting public safety by apprehending and removing illegal alien offenders from New England.

Despite being charged with such serious crimes, Perez was reportedly released back into the community by the court without informing ICE of his release. The court’s swift release of Perez prevented ICE from filing a detainer to keep him in custody. This lack of cooperation and communication is concerning, as it poses a risk to public safety.

Following his arrest, Perez was given a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge and placed into removal proceedings. He remains in ICE custody as legal proceedings continue.

Massachusetts has garnered attention for its resistance to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Governor Maura Healey has been vocal about her state’s stance against mass deportation efforts, stating that state police will not cooperate with such initiatives. However, she clarified that Massachusetts is not a sanctuary state, despite limitations on law enforcement cooperation with ICE.

The case of Stivenson Omar Perez-Ajtzalan serves as a stark reminder of the importance of enforcing immigration laws and protecting vulnerable individuals from harm. ICE’s swift action in apprehending Perez highlights the agency’s dedication to upholding public safety and holding offenders accountable for their actions. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the outcome of Perez’s case and ensure justice is served.