Damasio Soltero-Garcia/Mexico/Child Molestation

Damasio Soltero-Garcia, 47, a citizen of Mexico and an illegal alien in the United States, was arrested by ERO Seattle as part of targeted enforcement actions focused on apprehending individuals who pose significant risks to public safety. Soltero-Garcia’s case stands out as particularly troubling given the nature of his criminal history and the severe breach of trust his offenses represent.

In 2024, the Grant County Superior Court in Washington convicted Soltero-Garcia of child molestation, a grave crime that inflicts lifelong trauma on young victims and is regarded as among the most serious sexual offenses in the criminal justice system. Offenses involving the sexual abuse of minors carry harsh legal penalties and demonstrate a profound danger to the broader community, especially vulnerable populations.

Prior to his arrest by immigration authorities, Soltero-Garcia had been living unlawfully in the United States. His illegal presence, coupled with his conviction for child molestation, placed him squarely in the focus of ICE’s enforcement priorities. Crimes against children are considered egregious offenses under U.S. immigration law, often resulting in expedited removal proceedings due to their severity and the risk posed to the community.

Soltero-Garcia was taken into ICE custody without incident. Given his serious criminal background, he will remain detained while his immigration case proceeds through the legal system. The outcome of these proceedings will determine whether Soltero-Garcia will be permanently removed from the United States.