Hector Vicente-Mendoza/Guatemala/Rape

Hector Vicente-Mendoza, a 38-year-old illegal alien and citizen of Guatemala, was deported by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans following his identification as a foreign fugitive. Vicente-Mendoza is wanted by law enforcement authorities in Guatemala for the crime of rape. He had entered the United States unlawfully on an unknown date and without admission or parole from immigration authorities.

After receiving notification of the outstanding warrant issued by Guatemalan officials, ICE officers initiated an investigation into his immigration and criminal background. Vicente-Mendoza was located and arrested during targeted enforcement operations. ICE lodged an immigration detainer to ensure he would be transferred to federal custody upon his release from any local or state detention.

Once in ICE custody, officials reviewed his case, confirmed the active warrant in Guatemala, and moved forward with removal proceedings. A final order of removal was issued, and Vicente-Mendoza was deported via commercial flight under ICE escort. Upon arrival in Guatemala, he was transferred into the custody of Guatemalan authorities to face prosecution for the pending rape charges.

The deportation of Vicente-Mendoza ensures that a fugitive accused of serious sexual violence abroad cannot use the United States as a refuge from justice. His removal follows ICE’s continued focus on identifying and deporting individuals wanted for serious crimes in their countries of origin.