United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on Apr. 7 that it has lodged a detainer with Kentucky authorities, requesting that a man convicted of sexually assaulting a teenager not be released from jail. The individual, identified as Jose Lopez-Hernandez, was most recently arrested for luring a 14-year-old girl to his church office and assaulting her.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and cooperation between state officials and federal immigration authorities. ICE said the enforcement action follows prior arrests of Lopez-Hernandez for theft, forgery, and reckless driving.
According to local reports cited by ICE, Lopez-Hernandez locked the office door before kissing and touching the girl. Witnesses told police that the victim had a bruise on her neck consistent with what was described as "aggressive kissing." He has since been convicted of sexual abuse and will be required to register as a sex offender for 20 years.
In an official statement, Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said: “This sicko used his position as a pastor to lure a young girl to his office and sexually assault her. ICE law enforcement lodged a detainer asking Kentucky not to release this sexual predator from jail to prey on more innocent children.” Bis continued: “This criminal was previously released despite multiple criminal arrests. These are the types of heinous criminals ICE is targeting every single day. Instead of demonizing our ICE officers and protecting criminals, Governor Beshear needs to work with our law enforcement to get these criminal illegal aliens out of our country.”
ICE reported that nearly 70% of its arrests involve individuals charged or convicted of crimes in the United States. The agency said it continues daily efforts nationwide targeting those accused or convicted of serious offenses.
