Tomas Cortez Meza/Mexico/Sexual Assault

Federal immigration agents arrested Tomas Cortez Meza, a Mexico national here illegally, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on charges of sexual assault.

Sexual assault charges are among the most serious in the criminal justice system, carrying the potential for lengthy prison sentences and lifetime sex offender registration requirements. For illegal aliens arrested on such charges, the case triggers two simultaneous legal proceedings — the criminal prosecution and a federal immigration removal case moving on a separate, independent timeline. Meza now faces both.

Meza remains in ICE custody pending a hearing before a federal immigration judge. If the court orders removal, Meza would be returned to Mexico.