Jeison Martinez-Palacios/Guatemala/Child Molestation

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Jeison Martinez-Palacios in Boise, Idaho. The Guatemala national — here illegally — faces charges of child molestation.

The charges against Martinez-Palacios carry criminal penalties under state law and independently provide grounds for federal immigration action. State prosecutors will handle the criminal case, while federal immigration authorities pursue removal in a separate proceeding before an immigration judge. Both matters are now proceeding simultaneously, with the immigration court’s removal determination made independently of any criminal verdict. Martinez-Palacios faces potential consequences from both proceedings regardless of how either ultimately resolves.

Federal authorities have placed Martinez-Palacios in immigration detention pending the outcome of removal proceedings. A Department of Justice immigration court will determine whether Martinez-Palacios is deported to Guatemala.