Roberto Lainez/El Salvador/Statutory Rape

On July 16, 2025, ICE New Orleans deported Roberto Lainez, a citizen and national of El Salvador, following the completion of his immigration proceedings and criminal sentence. Lainez was previously convicted of statutory rape, a felony offense that involves unlawful sexual conduct with a minor incapable of providing legal consent. The conviction made him subject to mandatory removal under U.S. immigration law.

Statutory rape is classified as a crime involving moral turpitude and, in many cases, as an aggravated felony—both of which disqualify an individual from nearly all forms of immigration relief, including asylum, cancellation of removal, and adjustment of status. Once convicted, Lainez was placed into immigration custody to await proceedings before an immigration judge. A final order of removal was issued based on his felony conviction and illegal presence in the United States.

ICE did not release the exact date of Lainez’s entry into the country or the jurisdiction in which he was convicted. However, his criminal offense was severe enough to trigger mandatory detention and prioritization for removal. He remained in ICE custody throughout the process and was deported to El Salvador without incident.

This removal reflects ICE’s continued enforcement of immigration laws pertaining to individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Lainez is permanently inadmissible to the United States and is barred from reentering the country under federal law.