A Salvadoran national accused of raping a child on Nantucket Island has been arrested by federal immigration authorities, highlighting ongoing concerns about illegal immigration and public safety.
At a Glance
- Bryan Daniel Aldana-Arevalo, 28, was arrested for multiple sex crimes against a child on Nantucket
- Aldana-Arevalo entered the U.S. illegally and was classified as a “gotaway”
- He was initially released on bail but later detained by ICE
- The arrest was part of a targeted ICE operation on Nantucket
- ERO Boston emphasizes prioritizing public safety by removing noncitizen offenders
Arrest of Salvadoran National on Nantucket
Federal immigration authorities have apprehended Bryan Daniel Aldana-Arevalo, a 28-year-old Salvadoran national, on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Aldana-Arevalo faces serious charges including the rape of a child with a 10-year age difference and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. The arrest has brought attention to the challenges of immigration enforcement and public safety concerns in the region.
Aldana-Arevalo’s case is particularly concerning as he had previously eluded U.S. Border Patrol capture and was considered a “gotaway” – a term used for individuals who enter the country illegally without being apprehended. He had unlawfully entered the United States without inspection, admission, or parole by a U.S. immigration official.
NEW: ICE Boston has arrested a Salvadoran illegal alien in Nantucket, MA, who was charged in July with raping a Nantucket child. He was released on bail in late July, and ICE found & arrested him on Tuesday. ICE says he entered the US illegally as a gotaway.
Last week, ICE… pic.twitter.com/dsQRCizf9p— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) September 16, 2024
ICE Operation and Community Response
The arrest was part of a broader ICE operation on Nantucket, the first of its kind on the island since 2017. This operation targeted a small group of individuals who had committed violent offenses, rather than being a general sweep for undocumented residents. The presence of federal immigration agents on the island caused concern among some community members, highlighting the sensitive nature of immigration enforcement activities.
“It’s completely understandable. This hasn’t occurred here in a very long time, so I can understand why people are unsettled,” MacVicar said.
Despite the community’s unease, local authorities emphasized that the operation was focused on specific individuals with violent criminal histories. Nantucket police assisted ICE by providing addresses but did not investigate or report residents’ immigration status, maintaining their policy of not engaging in immigration enforcement.
ERO Boston’s Stance on Public Safety
ERO Boston, the agency responsible for the arrest, has been clear about its mission to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing noncitizen offenders. Todd M. Lyons, ERO Boston Field Office Director, emphasized the severity of the situation and the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
“Bryan Daniel Aldana-Arevalo stands accused of some detestable and disturbing crimes against a Nantucket child,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “He represents a significant danger to the children of our Massachusetts communities. ERO Boston will not tolerate such a threat to the most vulnerable of our population. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from our New England neighborhoods.”
The case of Aldana-Arevalo underscores the ongoing challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies in balancing public safety concerns with the complexities of immigration policy. It also highlights the importance of cooperation between local and federal authorities in addressing criminal activities involving noncitizens.
Looking Ahead
As Aldana-Arevalo remains in ERO custody, he faces not only the serious criminal charges brought against him but also potential deportation proceedings. The Executive Office for Immigration Review will make decisions on his removal or potential relief from removal based on the merits of his individual case. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety in communities across the United States.
