U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed an arrest detainer against Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad, an Egyptian national, following his apprehension in Louisville, Kentucky. Awad is accused of breaking into a Nashville, Tennessee apartment on December 31, 2025, and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl while she was asleep.
According to local authorities, the victim awoke to find Awad in her bed with a handgun at his waist. After the assault, she managed to escape with her nephew and contacted her sister, who notified law enforcement. A search led to Awad's arrest in Kentucky on January 16, 2026. He was extradited to Tennessee and charged with aggravated rape with a weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated burglary.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “Horrendous immigration policies allowed this monster into our country and made victims of children and families. This child rapist was allowed into our country by the Diversity Lottery program. Secretary Noem paused the diversity lottery to ensure no more Americans are harmed by this disastrous program. ICE lodged an arrest detainer to ensure he is not released onto our streets to victimize more children.”
Awad entered the United States in 2017 through the Diversity Lottery program and has since accumulated multiple criminal charges including domestic violence, intimidation, possession of a weapon, violation of a court order, and vehicle theft.
ICE has initiated removal proceedings for Awad and placed a detainer to prevent his release back into U.S. communities.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized its ongoing efforts to protect American communities from similar incidents. Victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens can seek assistance from the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by calling 1-855-488-6423.
