U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Boston announced [1] on Wednesday the arrests of three illegal immigrants connected to cases involving child rape.
The individuals include two men charged in Massachusetts and a fugitive convicted of child rape in Brazil, who fled to the United States before serving his sentence.
BREAKING: ICE Boston announces the arrests of three alleged illegal alien child rapists in Massachusetts, two of whom are charged w/ forcibly raping MA children, and another who was convicted of raping a child in Brazil in 2022, but was hiding in MA as a fugitive after he was… pic.twitter.com/OaDNOETTJU [2]
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) November 20, 2024 [3]
The arrests highlight concerns about federal and local law enforcement cooperation, as ICE reported that detainer requests for at least one of the suspects were ignored, allowing the individual to reenter the community before being rearrested.
Case 1: Guatemalan National Mynor Stiven De Paz-Munoz
The first suspect, 21-year-old Mynor Stiven De Paz-Munoz, is accused of the forcible rape of a child in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
According to ICE, De Paz-Munoz illegally entered the United States on September 24, 2020, near Eagle Pass, Texas, and was released by U.S. Border Patrol with a notice to appear before an immigration judge.
On February 29, 2024, De Paz-Munoz was arrested by Great Barrington police on charges including rape of a child by force, indecent assault, and battery on a person aged 14 or older.
ICE lodged a detainer request with local authorities to transfer him to federal custody, but the request was ignored, and he was released on bail.
De Paz-Munoz remains in custody pending trial in Berkshire County Superior Court.
Patricia H. Hyde, acting ERO Boston Field Office Director, stated, “Mynor Stiven De Paz-Munoz stands accused of horrifically victimizing a Massachusetts child and represents a significant threat to our neighborhoods. We owe it to the children of our New England communities to prioritize public safety above everything else.”
Case 2: Colombian National Billy Erney Buitrago-Bustos
The second suspect, 42-year-old Billy Erney Buitrago-Bustos, entered the U.S. on a visa in 2016 but overstayed its expiration.
He was arrested by Great Barrington police on October 8, 2023, on charges of rape of a child by force, statutory rape, and aggravated rape.
Following his arrest, ICE filed an immigration detainer, and after months of legal proceedings, Buitrago-Bustos was arraigned in Berkshire County Superior Court.
He was transferred into ICE custody on November 15, 2024, after posting bail. “Billy Erney Buitrago-Bustos stands accused of the most heinous and reprehensible of crimes,” Hyde said, praising law enforcement partners for their efforts.
Case 3: Brazilian National Alexandre Romao De Oliveira
The third suspect, 41-year-old Alexandre Romao De Oliveira, was convicted of child rape in Brazil in February 2022 and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
However, he fled the country before serving his sentence and entered the U.S. illegally near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on April 16, 2022.
He was released with a notice to appear before an immigration judge.
ICE apprehended De Oliveira on Monday in Methuen, Massachusetts. Hyde noted, “Alexandre Romao De Oliveira is a convicted child rapist who fled his home country to evade justice.
Enhancing public safety starts with cooperation between law enforcement partners.”
These cases come amid rising tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and state policies, with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently stating her administration would not cooperate with President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration initiatives.
NEW VIDEO: “No, absolutely not,” @Maura_Healey [4] responded when MSNBC’s anchor Lawrence O’Donnell asked if she would allow the State Police to assist in the deportations. #mapoli [5] pic.twitter.com/k2ou6n3Sch [6]
— Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (@MassFiscal) November 16, 2024 [7]
ICE officials emphasized the critical importance of federal and local collaboration to ensure community safety and prevent further victimization.
Incoming Trump Border Czar Tom Homan recently had this to say about governors and mayors standing in the way. Watch:
WOAH! Tom Homan warns mayors and governors: “Review Title 8 U.S.C. § 1324 – It’s a felony to harbor illegal aliens. Don’t cross that line.” pic.twitter.com/XRKlGCjVE3 [8]
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 19, 2024 [9]