The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Carlos Aguilar Reynoso in connection with charges related to the rape of a 5-year-old girl in Long Island, New York. ICE coordinated with local law enforcement, taking him into custody on February 2, 2026, before transferring him for prosecution on March 16, 2026.
The case highlights operational coordination between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities during criminal investigations involving serious charges. The Department of Homeland Security positions such cooperation as part of broader public safety enforcement efforts across jurisdictions.
DHS announces ICE arrest in Long Island case
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Public Affairs confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, a Guatemalan national, following allegations tied to a child assault case in Long Island, New York. Also, DHS stated the arrest occurred after local law enforcement identified the suspect during an active investigation.
Charges and initial law enforcement response
According to DHS, local law enforcement initially charged Reynoso with child endangerment while awaiting DNA evidence related to the alleged assault. Additionally, on March 23, 2026, he was formally charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, sexual abuse, and related offences under New York State law, reflecting escalation based on investigative findings.
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| ICE Arrest Date | February 2, 2026 | ICE took custody of the suspect during coordination with local authorities, according to DHS Office of Public Affairs |
| Transfer to Local Custody | March 16, 2026 | ICE transferred custody to local law enforcement for prosecution, as confirmed by DHS |
| Formal Charges Filed | March 23, 2026 | Expanded charges filed under New York law following investigation, according to DHS Office of Public Affairs |
Timeline of arrest and transfer to custody
The Department of Homeland Security reported that ICE detained Reynoso on February 2, 2026, before coordinating with local authorities throughout the investigation process. Meanwhile, the custody transfer on March 16 enabled local prosecutors to proceed with formal criminal charges.
Main dates and custody developments
The sequence of events shows a structured handover between agencies, beginning with ICE detention and concluding with local prosecution authority. Additionally, DHS confirmed that an immigration judge issued a final order of removal on March 16, 2026, establishing the individual’s immigration status alongside ongoing criminal proceedings.
Coordination between ICE and local authorities
The Department of Homeland Security emphasised that coordination between ICE and local law enforcement supported the handling of the case. Additionally, DHS stated that such cooperation allows federal and local agencies to manage both immigration enforcement and criminal prosecution responsibilities.
Operational collaboration details
According to DHS Office of Public Affairs, local authorities contacted ICE during the investigation to ensure the suspect remained in custody while evidence was processed. Additionally, this coordination enabled continuity between investigative procedures and detention, reducing the likelihood of release prior to prosecution, according to DHS.
Immigration status and legal proceedings
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Reynoso entered the United States at an unknown place and time, and his immigration status was reviewed during the case. Meanwhile, an immigration judge issued a final order of removal on March 16, 2026, as confirmed by DHS.
Removal order and legal status overview
The issuance of a final removal order establishes a formal immigration enforcement outcome alongside the criminal case, according to DHS Office of Public Affairs. Additionally, this legal status operates in parallel with state-level charges, reflecting separate judicial processes governing immigration and criminal law.
DHS statement on enforcement cooperation
The Department of Homeland Security highlighted the role of partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement in addressing serious criminal cases. Also, DHS cited cooperation as a factor in maintaining custody during investigations and prosecution.
Stakeholder comments and official statement
In a statement released by the DHS Office of Public Affairs, Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said coordination between ICE and local law enforcement ensured the suspect remained detained during evidence processing.
“Carlos Aguilar Reynoso, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, was charged for raping a five-year-old child in New York. While local law enforcement processed DNA evidence and built their case, they contacted ICE to arrest this pedophile so he would not be released into our communities to prey on more innocent children,”
said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.
“On March 16, ICE transferred this monster to local law enforcement to face justice for his reprehensible crimes. This case shows why we need local law enforcement cooperation. When we work together, our communities are safer.”
Case outcome and agency roles
The case outlines the sequence of coordination between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement during a criminal investigation involving serious charges. According to DHS, ICE maintained custody during the investigation before transferring the individual to local authorities for prosecution.
Proceedings now continue under New York State law, while immigration enforcement actions, including a final order of removal, remain in effect as a separate legal process.
Sources: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
Research combines AI-assisted analysis with human-edited accuracy and context.
