ICE in Massachusetts arrests illegal migrant child rape suspect

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Officers with the Enforcement and Removal Office (ERO) of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Boston have arrested a 20-year-old Guatemalan citizen accused of child rape and assault in Massachusetts. The suspect, identified as Selvin Alex Galvez-Mejia, was arrested Oct. 18 in Springfield, ICE officials said.

According to ERO Boston, Galvez-Mejia is charged with two counts of aggravated rape of a child and one count of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age. He was initially arraigned July 18 in U.S. District Court in Springfield and later released on bond.

“Selvin Alex Galvez-Mejia is charged with the horrific abuse of a Massachusetts child and poses a serious threat to our neighborhoods,” ERO Boston Field Office Acting Director Patricia H. Hyde said in a statement. Hyde stressed that it is crucial to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing such threats from non-citizens.

ICE officials said Galvez-Mejia entered the United States unlawfully on an unknown date and location without undergoing inspection, admission or parole by immigration authorities. After his arrest on October 18, Galvez-Mejia was issued a summons to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

Galvez-Mejia remains in ERO custody pending the conclusion of immigration proceedings.