A man wanted on dozens of charges related to the alleged exploitation of minors was arrested last week in North Carolina during a coordinated law enforcement operation involving local police and federal immigration authorities.
According to the Gaston County Police Department, officers with the Fugitive Apprehension and Suspect Tracking Team assisted the Siler City Police Department on March 4 during a search warrant execution at an apartment complex in Gaston County.
During the operation, officers located and arrested Jose Isaias Martel-Arriaga, who authorities said was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants issued in Chatham County.
OMG. Jose Isaias Martel Arriaga was arrested in North Carolina on more than 50 FELONY CHARGES for reported s*x crimes against a 14-year-old girl.
He has an ICE detainer hold.
This is the kind of criminal Democrats want to protect.pic.twitter.com/fwIYhjSHGb
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 5, 2026
Court records show Martel-Arriaga faces numerous charges related to the alleged exploitation of minors. The charges include 40 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, nine counts of indecent liberties with a minor, four counts of solicitation of a child by computer, three counts of solicitation of a child for prostitution and three counts of extortion.
Authorities said Martel-Arriaga had also been entered into federal systems as a wanted person by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after he failed to appear for removal proceedings.
Following his arrest, Martel-Arriaga was transported to the Gaston County Jail, where officials said he is being held without bond pending further court proceedings.
Law enforcement officials said the arrest was carried out through cooperation between multiple agencies. Officers from the Gaston County Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension and Suspect Tracking Team worked alongside investigators from the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit while assisting the Siler City Police Department during the search warrant operation.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement also issued a detainer related to Martel-Arriaga’s immigration status following his arrest, according to information shared by federal immigration authorities.
Officials with the Gaston County Police Department said the investigation and arrest reflect ongoing coordination among local and federal law enforcement agencies when individuals wanted on serious criminal charges are located.
The Gaston County Police Department said it continues to work with law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend individuals accused of crimes involving the exploitation of minors.
Martel-Arriaga remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system. Authorities have not released additional details about the underlying investigation.
