U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Noel Chinchilla-Avilez, a Honduran citizen with a final order of removal, in York, Pennsylvania, on February 14. Chinchilla-Avilez faces charges of statutory rape and receiving stolen property in the United States.
"The arrest of Noel Chinchilla-Avilez, a criminal alien with a history of serious offenses, highlights our unwavering commitment to public safety. Our officers work tirelessly to protect our communities by removing individuals who pose a threat to our nation's security," stated Brian McShane, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia. "We will continue to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the American public by ensuring that dangerous criminals are held accountable and removed from our streets."
Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia, added: "Today’s operation displays the dedication and expertise of our ICE team in tracking criminals. By targeting individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, we are sending a clear message that there is no safe-haven for those who commit heinous acts." He continued, "Operations like this demonstrate our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of the American public."
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Chinchilla-Avilez by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on February 10 due to violation related to failure to depart.
Following his arrest, Chinchilla-Avilez was taken to the U.S. District Courthouse in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He remains in federal custody pending further criminal proceedings.
ICE encourages members of the public with information about foreign fugitives or other criminal aliens illegally present in the U.S. to contact them via their Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. Tips can also be submitted online through ICE's online tip form.
For additional updates on how ICE executes its immigration enforcement mission in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia, follow @EROPhiladelphia on X.
