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The Department of Homeland Security filed a detainer request Thursday against an undocumented Mexican national accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old autistic girl in California, in what one senior DHS official described as “the most heinous crime we’ve ever seen.”
Enrique Bautista-Vasquez, 20, faces charges of rape with a sentence enhancement for assaulting a person unable to consent and a victim deemed “particularly vulnerable.” He is currently being held in Indio, California, following the alleged attack in nearby Cathedral City.
The case represents a significant test for California’s sanctuary policies, which have typically limited cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. DHS officials expressed hope that the severity of the alleged crime might prompt California authorities to honor the detainer request.
“This depraved illegal alien raped and sodomized a child with autism,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, ICE took swift action to lodge a detainer with authorities to ensure this child rapist is not released onto our streets.”
McLaughlin added that the agency remains concerned that California officials might not cooperate, noting that the state has previously released approximately 3,700 undocumented immigrants with criminal records back into communities rather than transferring them to federal custody.
According to DHS officials, the incident occurred on December 31 when Bautista-Vasquez encountered the autistic teenager, who reportedly has a history of wandering from home due to her condition. Authorities say he convinced the girl to follow him through a business park to his residence, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Police later searched Bautista-Vasquez’s home, reportedly discovering women’s boots and bloodstained bedsheets. Investigators also found him in possession of a stolen Social Security card from Texas and a fraudulent permanent residency card.
DHS records indicate Bautista-Vasquez had been previously deported. He was issued a final order of removal on December 16, 2024, but allegedly reentered the United States on January 2, 2025. Officials claim he was released from custody just days before the Trump administration implemented new border security measures.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement priorities and state-level sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sanctuary jurisdictions typically restrict how local law enforcement can interact with federal immigration authorities, often refusing to honor ICE detainers unless accompanied by judicial warrants.
Proponents of sanctuary policies argue they encourage immigrant communities to report crimes without fear of deportation, while critics contend they allow potentially dangerous individuals to remain in communities where they may commit additional offenses.
Riverside County formally charged Bautista-Vasquez with lewd/lascivious acts with a minor and rape. The case has drawn significant attention from federal officials who view it as a potential inflection point in their ongoing efforts to secure greater cooperation from sanctuary jurisdictions.
DHS officials noted that support services are available for victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants through the administration’s Victims of Immigrant Crime Engagement Office (VOICE), which can be reached at 1-855-488-6423.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether California authorities would honor the federal detainer in this case.
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7 Comments
This case highlights the need for a balanced and nuanced approach to immigration and public safety. While sanctuary policies have their merits, they cannot be allowed to compromise the protection of innocent victims, especially children.
Well said. There must be a way to uphold the spirit of sanctuary laws while also ensuring the most serious offenders are held accountable.
This is a truly heinous and disturbing case. The rape of an autistic child is an abhorrent act that deserves the strongest condemnation. I hope the authorities take swift and decisive action to ensure the perpetrator faces justice.
The severity of this crime should take precedence over any sanctuary policies. Public safety must come first, and this individual should be detained and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
I agree completely. Sanctuary policies should not shield those who commit such heinous acts against the most vulnerable members of society.
This is a complex issue that touches on themes of immigration, crime, and the rights of vulnerable individuals. I hope the authorities can find a way to balance these competing concerns and deliver a fair and just outcome.
My heart goes out to the victim and their family. No child should ever have to endure such a traumatic experience. I hope they receive the support and justice they deserve.