Martin Ruiz Duart/Mexico/Sexual Abuse of a Minor

On a recent enforcement action in El Paso, Texas, ICE officers arrested Martin Ruiz Duart, a noncitizen from Mexico who was living in the United States unlawfully. Duart was taken into ICE custody following his release from a local correctional facility, where he had been serving time for the sexual abuse of a child. His arrest was carried out by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) El Paso Field Office.

Duart had been convicted in 2023 of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 14. According to court records, the abuse took place over several months and was reported by a family member who contacted law enforcement after discovering disturbing messages and behavior. He was charged with multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse in exchange for a reduced sentence. Duart served time in a Texas state facility and was flagged for immigration enforcement due to his undocumented status and the severity of his offense.

Upon release, Duart was immediately taken into ICE custody. He has been issued a final order of removal and is being held at a federal detention facility in Texas. ICE confirmed that Duart will remain in custody pending removal proceedings and that no relief from removal is currently being sought or available based on his criminal history.