The United States Department of Homeland Security announced on April 25 that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an arrest detainer for Atharva Vyas, a 24-year-old Indian national, following his arrest for assaulting a mother and her three-year-old daughter in a San Antonio park.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement policies. The incident involved local police arresting Vyas on April 18 after he reportedly assaulted Gabriella Perez and her young daughter. According to law enforcement, the attack began when Vyas grabbed Perez by the hair, causing her child to fall from her arms. While Perez was on the ground, Vyas allegedly assaulted the child, resulting in bodily injuries including bite marks and the loss of two teeth.
Vyas first entered the United States in August 2023 on a student visa. Three months later, he was arrested at the University of Texas campus for felony assault. The University of Texas Police contacted ICE at that time; however, according to DHS officials, "the Biden Administration determined this crime was not 'egregious' enough to warrant visa revocation and decided to take no enforcement action against Vyas." ICE lodged its current detainer requesting that San Antonio authorities turn over Vyas once legal proceedings are complete.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said: "This criminal illegal alien brutally bit this child and caused her to lose two teeth. This barbaric assault against this woman and her three-year-old in a park was completely preventable. The Biden administration NEVER should have released this animal following his arrest for assault. We are working with our partners in Texas to ensure this criminal illegal alien never roams free in American communities again." In April 2025, DHS reports that the Trump Administration revoked Vyas's F-1 visa due to his earlier arrest.
DHS stated it continues efforts to protect communities from similar incidents across the country. Victims of crimes involving non-citizens may seek support through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by calling 1-855-488-6423.
