The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Mar. 12 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has requested New Jersey officials not to release Gerardo Garcia Gonzalez, a Mexican national accused of sexually assaulting a minor between the ages of 13 and 15.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local jurisdictions with sanctuary policies. ICE's request comes after Gonzalez was arrested by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for charges including sexual assault by force or coercion and criminal sexual contact.
According to the announcement, Gonzalez first entered the United States illegally in 2001 before being returned to Mexico. Authorities allege he later re-entered the country at an unknown date and location before committing the alleged offenses.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “This pedophile should NEVER have been in our country and able to prey on children in the first place. We are calling on New Jersey sanctuary politicians to NOT release this predator charged with sexually assaulting a child from jail into New Jersey neighborhoods. This is the exact reason we need sanctuary jurisdictions to work with us. No one should want this sicko to be on our streets.”
The press release also referenced recent legislative proposals and executive orders in New Jersey aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, as well as measures such as a portal created by Attorney General Jennifer Davenport for residents to report ICE actions.
DHS stated that its law enforcement officers continue efforts to protect communities from similar incidents. The department noted that victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants can seek support through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office.
