Police in Louisiana arrested an undocumented immigrant this week and charged him with raping a minor and a separate stabbing attack during an armed robbery.
The Kenner Police Department arrested 19-year-old Angel Matias Castellanos-Orellana, a Honduran national, on Sunday for allegedly stabbing a robbery victim multiple times. Police had named him as a suspect last week in the rape and assault of a 14-year-old girl.
Police worked with ICE officials, who lodged a detainer request since Castellanos-Orellana allegedly used fraudulent aliases. He’s been charged with armed robbery, battery, rape and assault.
“Illegal immigrants continue to challenge law enforcement through lack of data access, false IDs and language barriers,” said the police chief, noting the drain on resources. “We’re glad he’s off the streets, but will he be back under a new identity?”
Louisiana’s governor said the man “should never have been here” and called for closed borders.
The case comes amid a surge of migrants under President Biden, with over 7 million entering since he took office. Customs and Border Protection reports more criminals at the border as well.
The situation highlights debates about immigration policy and enforcement. While compassion is called for, officials say violent crimes must be addressed to keep communities safe.