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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Officers with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested a 20-year-old Guatemalan national accused of rape and child abuse 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. Springfield District Court initially charged him on July 18 and later released him after posting. bail.

“Selvin Alex Galvez-Mejia is accused of horrifically victimizing a Massachusetts child and poses a significant threat to our neighborhoods,” Patricia H. Hyde, acting director of ERO’s Boston office, said in a statement. Hyde emphasized that prioritizing public safety by arresting and eliminating such non-citizen threats is crucial.

ICE officials said Galvez-Mejia illegally entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location without being inspected, admitted or paroled by immigration authorities. After his Oct. 18 arrest, Galvez-Mejia was issued a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

Galvez-Mejia remains in ERO custody pending his immigration proceedings.