ICE and U.S. Border Patrol assist in local sex crime investigation involving previously deported illegal alien

HOUGHTON LAKE, Mich – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol assisted the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation and arrest of an illegal alien accused of raping an 18-year-old girl April 25.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations Traverse City special agents and USBP agents from USBP Station Sault Ste Marie assisted in the apprehension of Leocado Hernandez-Garcia, an illegal alien from Mexico who has been removed from the United States twice.

Hernadez-Garcia faces five felony counts of criminal sexual conduct.

Hernandez-Garcia was deported from the United States in 2014. He was encountered again in 2023 and expelled under Title 42. He reentered the United States a third time at unknown date and location without inspection by an immigration official.

“ICE HSI Detroit is committed to assisting our local partners like the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office on crimes involving illegal aliens in their jurisdiction,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Our thoughts are with the victim at this time, and we hope that these recent steps toward justice and accountability can help her on the road to recovery and healing.”

“This is another example of the results we achieve through strong partnerships with our local and federal law enforcement agencies," said Javier Geronimo, Jr., Detroit Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent. "Thanks to this collaboration, a repeat immigration offender accused of raping a teenager is now under arrest, along with two other illegal aliens. We remain committed to protecting our community through teamwork and vigilance.”

The Roscommon County Sheriff’s Office investigation remains ongoing with the continued assistance of ICE HSI and USBP.

ICE HSI and USBP encountered two additional illegal aliens during this investigation that were taken into custody pending immigration proceedings.

ICE established the Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office to acknowledge and serve the needs of victims and families who have been affected by crimes committed by individuals with a nexus to immigration violations.

The VOICE has a toll-free hotline staffed by operators to ensure victims receive the support they need. The number is 1-855-48-VOICE.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)