ICE Arrests Ecuadoran National Facing 20 Child Sex Crime Charges in Massachusetts

Gilberto Avila-Jara, a 64-year-old Ecuadoran national, was arrested by ICE Boston on April 1 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, facing over 20 charges of child sexual offenses, including rape and indecent assault. Avila initially entered the U.S. illegally in 1996, was deported, and later reentered without authorization. Despite serious charges, a local court had previously released him on bail after an ICE detainer was not honored in 2021. The recent arrest was made in coordination with the DEA and ATF, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding public safety and the handling of illegal immigrants with violent criminal histories. ICE officials emphasized the need to protect children from predators, asserting their commitment to removing such individuals from the community. The case has reignited debates about sanctuary city policies and their impact on crime enforcement.