U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer against a Mexican national charged with multiple counts of child rape in Asheville, N.C., and is urging local officials not to release him from custody without federal notification.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Juan Ramon Juarez-Talamantes was arrested Nov. 19, 2025, and charged with two counts of rape of a child under 15. A third count was filed Jan. 22, 2026, after authorities identified an additional alleged victim. ICE issued a detainer request asking that the Buncombe County Detention Facility notify federal authorities prior to any release.
An immigration detainer is a request that a local jail hold an individual for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release so ICE can assume custody.
In a statement, DHS said nearly 1,400 immigration detainers issued in North Carolina have not been honored in recent years, resulting in the release of individuals sought by federal immigration authorities.
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said ICE is seeking cooperation in this case. “This depraved sicko is charged with raping three children,” McLaughlin said. “We are calling on Asheville sanctuary politicians to commit to not releasing this pedophile back into our communities to prey on more innocent children.”
Local officials in Asheville have previously stated they do not use county resources to enforce federal immigration laws.
Juarez-Talamantes remains in local custody as of this writing. ICE said it will pursue removal proceedings if custody is transferred to federal authorities.
Federal officials continue to request compliance with detainers in cases involving individuals charged with serious criminal offenses.
