Rafael Mendoza/Mexico/Sexual Offense Involving a Minor

On July 16, 2025, ICE San Francisco officers arrested Rafael Mendoza, a citizen and national of Mexico, in San Jose, California. Mendoza, who is unlawfully present in the United States, has been convicted of a sexual offense involving the unlawful penetration of a minor. He is currently being held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

This type of conviction qualifies as an aggravated felony under U.S. immigration law and is considered a deportable offense, especially when it involves a minor. Such crimes result in mandatory detention and bar the offender from nearly all forms of immigration relief, including asylum, cancellation of removal, and adjustment of status. Offenses of this nature are treated as highly serious and disqualify individuals from remaining in the U.S.

ICE did not release information regarding when or how Mendoza entered the country. However, due to the severity of his conviction, he was identified for enforcement and taken into custody without incident. He remains in an ICE detention facility and will appear before an immigration judge to determine the outcome of his case.

Given the nature of the crime, Mendoza is expected to be found removable and deported to Mexico at the conclusion of his proceedings.