U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Luis Meza-Olivera, a Peruvian national with a history of violent crimes, in Nashville, Tennessee on March 14, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 20.
The arrest followed a tip from a school official who reported that Meza-Olivera's daughter expressed fear he would harm her mother upon his release from local custody. The case highlights concerns about public safety and the role of community members in alerting authorities to potential threats.
Meza-Olivera has been convicted of aggravated kidnapping, arson, and aggravated assault in Tennessee, as well as driving under the influence in California. He also faced charges including attempted first-degree murder and vandalism in Tennessee and willful cruelty to a child in California. According to court documents, one incident involved locking a woman in a bathroom and setting a fire outside the door; another involved tying up a woman with rope around her neck while her five-year-old son called emergency services for help.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, “Luis Meza-Olivera is a monster whose daughter feared he would kill her mother. This criminal alien from Peru should NOT be loose on American streets. Thanks to a school official who left a tip for ICE, this individual is now in ICE custody and will enter removal proceedings. Americans can report tips to our brave law enforcement to help keep their communities safe when sanctuary politicians won’t by contacting our ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).”
Meza-Olivera entered the United States on a B-2 tourist visa in 2002 and became a lawful permanent resident in 2010. Due to his convictions, he is eligible for removal from the country and will remain in ICE custody pending further proceedings.
Anonymous tips regarding similar cases can be submitted through an online form or by calling the toll-free ICE tip line at (866) 347-2423.
