Authorities in Boston have apprehended a Guatemalan national who was unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with the rape of a child in Bristol County. Yader Alexander Morales-Quevedo, 24, was detained by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston officers in New Bedford, according to a report from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"Yader Alexander Morales-Quevedo will have his day in court, but he is facing some very serious charges," stated ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. Lyons further expressed the sentiment that Morales-Quevedo posed a threat to children in Massachusetts communities “He posed a significant threat to the children in our Massachusetts communities. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”
Morales-Quevedo's history with U.S. authorities began with his arraignment on August 30, 2022, by the New Bedford District Court. Later, the charges were escalated, and the Bristol County Superior Court arraigned him on January 3, 2023, for rape of a child and for involving a child in a nude, lascivious pose/exhibit. The details of his unlawful entry into the country remain unclear—he entered at an unknown date and location without formal inspection or authorization.
After his arrest on May 28, Morales-Quevedo was placed into ERO custody, where he will remain pending the outcome of his removal proceedings. ERO's primary focus is to enforce domestic immigration laws and ensure the removal of those believed to have no lawful basis to remain in the U.S. They are tasked to swiftly arrest and possibly detain individuals to protect the community at large from potential harm.
ERO, one of ICE’s three operational directorates, maintains a workforce of over 7,700, with a mission to enforce the nation's immigration laws and ensure the safeguarding of its communities. They operate out of 25 domestic field offices and numerous locations nationwide, including some overseas postings. ERO is known for its principal federal law enforcement capability in matters of domestic immigration enforcement.
The public can contribute to the safety of communities by reporting crimes or suspicious activities related to child sex offenders. ICE encourages individuals to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or complete the online tip form.
