Rafael Garcia-Lopez/Mexico/Rape

Rafael Garcia-Lopez, a 26-year-old citizen of Mexico, was arrested in Mount Vernon, Washington, by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Seattle in coordination with U.S. Border Patrol agents. Garcia-Lopez had previously been removed from the United States but unlawfully reentered the country and remained in violation of federal immigration law. His arrest was prompted by his criminal history, which includes serious convictions in Skagit County, Washington.

Garcia-Lopez’s criminal record includes convictions for assault, assault with sexual motivation, and rape of a child. These offenses marked him as a high-priority target for ICE apprehension and removal. Following his illegal reentry into the U.S., authorities began tracking his activities, ultimately resulting in his arrest during targeted enforcement efforts in the region.

After his apprehension, Garcia-Lopez was issued a notice of intent to reinstate his prior order of removal. He was taken into ICE custody and transported to a nearby detention facility, where he will remain throughout removal proceedings. Federal authorities have confirmed that due to the nature of his criminal background and previous removal, he will not be eligible for release from custody.

Garcia-Lopez is currently pending removal and will be processed under existing immigration enforcement guidelines.