Fugitive Alien Removal Task Force arrests illegally present Salvadoran national wanted for rape of a minor

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – An illegally present citizen and national of El Salvador, wanted in his home country for rape of a minor, was arrested April 8 for immigration violations by officers with the Los-Angeles-based Fugitive Alien Removal (FAR) Task Force, part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). U.S. Marshals Task Force officers assisted with the arrest.

Upon his arrest, the FAR Task Force served Jose Luis Rodriguez-Vasquez with a Notice to Appear, Form I-862, pursuant to Section 212(a)(6)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as an alien present in the United States without admission or parole. Rodriguez-Vasquez is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

ICE deportation officers assigned to the FAR Task Force are detailed and deputized as special deputy U.S. Marshals, and must have a minimum five years of law enforcement experience with an agency that has general arrest authority.

FAR operations target individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety. Most FAR cases deal with criminal aliens who are wanted for a crime in another country, regardless of severity, including murder, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, drug offenses, alien smuggling, fraud or theft. In some cases, these high-profile removals are national security risks, such as suspected terrorists, those involved in counter-proliferation crimes or are on the Terrorist Watch list and/or the No-Fly list.

“Our incredible and dedicated FAR officers continue to exercise vigilance during this chaotic time to make arrests that simply put, ensure the safety and security of our communities,” said ICE Los Angeles Field Office Director Dave Marin. “The arrest and removal of these high-profile criminal aliens sends a strong and clear message that our nation will not allow itself to be used as a refuge for the violent criminals of other countries. Our officers work closely with partner federal law enforcement and foreign agencies to bring these violators to justice.”

A memorandum of understanding must be executed by those participating in the FAR program, and all actions related to conducting operations must be compliant with U.S. Marshals Service policy directives. FAR officers are also granted access to additional investigative resources and training opportunities sponsored by the U.S. Marshals Service, which can vary from intelligence gathering to surveillance.

In 2019, Los Angeles FAR Officers made 67 high-profile arrests. Since January 2020, there have been more than 40, including a 38-year-old Salvadoran national wanted for aggravated homicide; a 32-year-old French national wanted for threats and fraud; and a 63-year-old Mexican national wanted for sexual assault, carnal abuse and burglary. Marin maintains that cooperation from local jurisdictions with ICE will continue to result the successful execution of the FAR mission, and removal of dangerous criminals.

Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives are urged to contact ICE by calling the toll-free tip line at 1-866-347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form. ICE encourages victims and witnesses to report all crimes, and fully cooperate with state and local law enforcement.