ICE has reportedly filed an immigration detainer on a Louisville rideshare driver who is currently facing felony charges for first-degree sodomy, kidnapping, and menacing after allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger during a trip to a medical appointment, according to police records.
Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, of Louisville, was arrested Feb. 5 following a report from the victim, a mother of four in her 30s. On Feb. 4, she entered a Lyft vehicle arranged by her doctor’s office for a ride from her home to a chiropractor appointment.
According to the arrest citation, Diaz Vera deviated from the route, pulled into a church parking lot in the Taylor Berry neighborhood near Churchill Downs, pulled out a gun from the glove compartment, locked the doors, and moved to the backseat. He then forced the victim to perform sexual acts before driving her to the intended destination and dropping her off. The woman immediately reported the incident to police and provided a description that led to his arrest the next day in a Kroger parking lot.
Louisville Metro Police Department records list the charges as first-degree sodomy, kidnapping and menacing. Diaz Vera pleaded not guilty Feb. 6, and a judge set bond at $100,000 cash. He is being held at Louisville Metro Corrections, with the case expected to be presented to a grand jury in March.
The suspect is also subject to a U.S. immigration detainer, indicating federal authorities believe he may be removable from the country. Reports indicate Vera, originally from Cuba, entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 but later obtained a work permit that allowed him to drive for Lyft. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately confirm his exact immigration status or provide further comment on the detainer.
A spokesperson for Lyft said the company has permanently removed Vera from its platform.
“The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society,” the spokesperson said. “We have permanently removed the driver from the Lyft platform and are assisting law enforcement with their investigation.”
Sara Collins, the victim’s attorney, expressed concern that potential deportation could hinder justice.
“He needs to stay behind bars,” Collins said. “He needs to be fully investigated and held accountable for all of his actions.”
Collins added that her client, who remains anonymous, is traumatized and advocates for stronger safety measures on rideshare platforms, such as in-car cameras and enhanced background checks.
Police said there is currently no evidence of a pattern of similar incidents. The investigation remains ongoing. Victims of sexual assault can seek support from the Center for Women & Families, which offers a 24/7 crisis hotline and counseling services.
