Carlos Ubence Cortez-Lopez/Guatemala/Child Sexual Abuse

On May 12, 2025, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Carlos Ubence Cortez-Lopez, a Guatemalan national with prior convictions for offenses involving minors. Cortez-Lopez was taken into custody in California following the completion of his sentence and is now being held in ICE detention pending removal proceedings.

Cortez-Lopez was previously convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material and of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. The investigations leading to these convictions were carried out by local law enforcement in cooperation with specialized digital crimes and juvenile protection units. Prosecutors secured convictions in both cases after evidence revealed that Cortez-Lopez had maintained explicit material and engaged in unlawful conduct with an underage individual. He was sentenced to serve time in a California correctional facility and required to register as an offender.

While serving his sentence, ICE lodged an immigration detainer requesting notification prior to release. That request was honored, and Cortez-Lopez was transferred to ICE custody immediately upon completing his sentence. He had previously entered the United States without authorization and did not hold any legal immigration status at the time of his convictions.

Cortez-Lopez is currently being held at an ICE detention facility in Southern California and is awaiting proceedings before an immigration judge. ICE officials confirmed that his removal will be pursued based on his criminal convictions and lack of lawful presence in the United States.