ICE Urges New York to Retain Salvadoran National Accused of Sexual Assault on Long Island
ICE urges New York not to release – Immigration officials from the federal government have called on New York to keep a Salvadoran national in custody who is charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on Long Island. The individual, Aureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes, 59, is alleged to have committed the crime in Huntington, Suffolk County, and is now under investigation for rape, sexual abuse, and endangering a child’s welfare. Federal authorities are pressing local authorities to detain Reyes until they can take him into federal custody, citing concerns about the safety of the community and the risk posed by releasing him.
Alleged Assault Details and Local Response
According to prosecutors and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the incident unfolded on June 6 when the 16-year-old girl was walking home and encountered Reyes. The suspect reportedly approached her multiple times, asking for her phone number. When she declined, he allegedly cornered her in an alley and subjected her to a sexual assault. The victim was able to break free and call 911 while running from Reyes, who was said to be chasing her. Local police responded swiftly, arresting the accused and handing him over to federal immigration authorities for further processing.
DHS Detainer and Legal Status
DHS has issued an immigration detainer against Reyes, which is a request for the local authorities to hold him for federal processing after his state or local custody is completed. The agency claims Reyes entered the United States illegally at an unspecified time and place and was granted a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 1998. This legal status means he could be deported if not detained by federal agents. The Department of Homeland Security’s acting assistant secretary, Lauren Bis, emphasized that Reyes should never have been allowed to remain in the country, where he could prey on innocent victims like the 16-year-old girl.
DA’s Statement on Community Safety
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney has denounced the alleged crimes as deeply troubling for the local community. In a statement, he said, “A 16-year-old girl should be able to walk safely without being targeted, pursued, and brutally assaulted. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community’s safety, especially our children.” Tierney’s comments highlight the urgency of holding the accused accountable and ensuring that individuals with criminal records are not released back into the public without federal oversight.
Sanctuary Law and Federal Collaboration
The case has sparked a debate over New York’s sanctuary laws, which allow local jurisdictions to detain immigrants for non-criminal offenses or for periods while federal authorities process their cases. However, DHS is urging the state to prioritize the removal of criminals, particularly those with violent histories. Bis stated, “DHS is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and her fellow sanctuary politicians in New York to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail and to turn him over to ICE.” She added, “New York sanctuary politicians must not release criminals from jail into New York communities,” underscoring the agency’s belief that such releases endanger public safety.
Broader Context of ICE Detainers in New York
DHS has highlighted that nearly 7,000 criminal illegal immigrants have been released from local custody in New York since January 2025. Many of these individuals were accused of violent crimes, such as homicide, assault, burglary, and drug-related offenses, according to the agency. Additionally, more than 7,000 people are currently under federal immigration detainers in New York, meaning they are being held for potential deportation. These numbers raise questions about the effectiveness of state and local collaboration with federal immigration efforts and the risks associated with releasing individuals with criminal records.
Call for State Action and Continued Monitoring
Bis’s remarks come amid a broader push by DHS to ensure that individuals with serious criminal charges are not released prematurely. The agency argues that sanctuary policies have enabled the detention of immigrants for nonviolent crimes, but they are now targeting those who commit sexual assault or other violent acts. By lodging the detainer, DHS aims to coordinate with New York officials to prevent Reyes from reentering the community while his case is pending. The agency has reached out to Governor Hochul’s office and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to seek their support in this matter.
Implications for Public Safety and Policy
The incident underscores the growing tension between state sanctuary policies and federal priorities. While New York has long championed the rights of undocumented immigrants, the rape of a minor has become a focal point for critics arguing that such policies place vulnerable populations at risk. Reyes’s case is seen as a test of whether local authorities will prioritize the removal of criminals over compassionate release. The DA’s office has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting all individuals who threaten community safety, regardless of their immigration status.
DHS also used the case to draw attention to the broader implications of releasing criminal illegal immigrants. Bis pointed out that the number of people with active detainers in New York is significant, indicating that many individuals could be deported but are still free to roam the state. This has led to calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and more coordination between state and federal authorities to ensure that dangerous individuals are not left unchecked. The agency’s stance reflects a growing emphasis on accountability, particularly in cases involving sexual assault and child endangerment.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Investigation
As of the latest reports, Reyes remains in custody, with federal agents working to secure his transfer. The incident has drawn public scrutiny, with local residents and advocacy groups questioning the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. Fox News Digital has contacted both Governor Hochul’s office and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for further comments, seeking clarification on whether New York will comply with the federal detainer. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how sanctuary states handle individuals accused of violent crimes, potentially influencing future policies and enforcement strategies.
In a statement, Bis reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “This sexual predator NEVER should have been in our country and able to prey on this innocent girl.” Her words echo the concerns of many who believe that allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the state without proper oversight puts innocent lives at risk. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring that Reyes faces the full consequences of his alleged actions and that New York’s policies align with the goal of protecting its residents from harm.
Impact on Community Trust and Enforcement
The case has also reignited discussions about community trust in law enforcement. Some residents argue that sanctuary laws foster a sense of safety and dignity for immigrants, while others see them as a shield for criminals. The rape of a 16-year-old girl has become a pivotal example of the potential risks, prompting calls for stricter measures to prevent such incidents. DHS is positioning itself as a key player in this issue, advocating for federal control
