The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported the arrest of Enrique Bautista Vasquez, a Mexican national charged with lewd or lascivious acts with a minor and rape in California. According to DHS, Vasquez allegedly lured a 14-year-old autistic girl into his apartment on New Year’s Eve, where he sexually assaulted her.
Local authorities from the Cathedral City Police Department conducted an investigation that led to Vasquez's arrest. Evidence cited includes medical examination results, blood found on bedsheets, and the victim’s boots discovered in Vasquez’s closet. The identity of the victim has not been released.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “This depraved illegal alien raped and sodomized a child with autism. Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, ICE took swift action to lodge a detainer with authorities to ensure this child rapist is NOT released onto our streets.” She also commented on state cooperation: “Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee Governor Newsom and his California sanctuary politicians will cooperate and turn this scumbag over to ICE. The state of California has released more than 3,700 violent criminals onto the streets to perpetrate more crimes and victimize more Americans.”
Authorities also found that Vasquez possessed fraudulent immigration documents such as a Social Security card and federal Permanent Resident card.
Records indicate that Border Patrol first encountered Vasquez on December 16, 2024, after he entered the United States illegally. He was ordered removed on that same day but later re-entered the country. DHS reports that he was released by federal authorities on January 2, 2025.
DHS highlighted ongoing efforts by its law enforcement agencies to protect communities from similar incidents. The department noted that victims of crimes committed by individuals without legal status can seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at 1-855-488-6423.
