A Mexican national with a history of illegal entry into the United States has been apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his conviction for sexually abusing an 11-year-old child in New York. Raymond Rojas Basilio, 36, had been deported five times prior to this incident.

Rojas's criminal history began in 2002 with three unsuccessful attempts to cross the border near Douglas, Arizona. He was subsequently apprehended in 2012 at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, for attempting to use fraudulent identification documents. Days later, he was caught again in Nogales with similar falsified documents and deported. The date and location of his most recent illegal re-entry remain unknown.

The New York Police Department arrested Rojas on August 28, 2023. He was convicted on September 20, 2024, by the Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn for the sexual abuse of a minor. His sentence included 60 days in jail, six years of probation, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. ICE agents arrested him outside his Queens residence on December 17.

ICE officials expressed frustration with local policies that prevented them from detaining Rojas immediately after his sentencing. Kenneth Genalo, Field Office Director for ICE in New York, stressed the danger posed by individuals like Rojas who repeatedly disregard U.S. immigration laws. He emphasized the potential for harm even with a single successful illegal entry and praised ICE officers for their swift action in apprehending Rojas before he could re-offend.

Rojas is currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation to Mexico.