A Guatemalan man who was in the United States illegally was apprehended on Sunday by authorities in north Alabama for reportedly sexually abusing a child.
The man, identified as 38-year-old Luis Lopez-Martinez, was taken into custody by Limestone County sheriff’s deputies following a report from a 911 caller who witnessed him “in the act of abusing a child under the age of 12,” stated the sheriff’s office on Tuesday.
The victim’s family reportedly caught Lopez-Martinez in the act and held him until law enforcement officials could arrive, as detailed by LCSO. Deputy Bradley Fontenot from Limestone County then proceeded to arrest the suspect.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an immigration detainer on him, which should keep him from returning to the community even if he posts bail.
“When a law enforcement agency honors a detainer, they notify ICE before releasing a potentially dangerous noncitizen. ICE’s federal law enforcement officers then take the noncitizen into custody in the facility’s safe setting,” ICE said on its website when explaining detainers.
Luis Lopez-Martinez, 38, has been placed on an immigration detainer by ICE after he allegedly confessed to sexually abusing a child younger than 12 years old. (Bryan Cox/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and additional charges are possible.
“I would like to thank Deputy Fontenot and Investigator [Kandace] Wilson for their dedication and tireless efforts in seeking justice for this innocent child,” LCSO Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said. “Their efforts reinforce our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that justice is served.”
