A tip from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Crimes Center (DHS C3) led to the arrest of Rafael Romeiro Rodriguez on May 29. Rodriguez, a convicted child sex offender, was apprehended while attempting to travel internationally.
The DHS C3, under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, aims to prevent crimes such as child sex tourism by alerting destination countries about convicted child predators intending to travel abroad. The center also supports domestic enforcement actions like the one that resulted in Rodriguez’s arrest.
Rodriguez, a Colombian national residing illegally in the United States, was previously convicted in 2014 for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old.
“Thanks to the targeted intelligence work of the Cyber Crimes Center, a convicted child sex offender will no longer pose a threat to the community,” stated Mike Prado, Deputy Assistant Director for the DHS Cyber Crimes Center. “This case is a powerful reminder of how proactive targeting of dangerous convicted sex offenders can lead to real world arrests that protect children and enhance public safety.”
Officers from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston, with support from ICE HSI, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested Rodriguez in Boston without incident.
“This arrest is a direct result of the critical coordination between ERO Boston, the DHS Cybercrimes Center, and our federal and law enforcement partners,” said Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston. “This case underscores exactly why we must remain vigilant and united across government agencies to find, arrest, and remove dangerous predators who pose a threat to our children and our neighborhoods.”
Rodriguez remains in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.
The public is urged to act swiftly if they believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger by contacting local law enforcement or dialing 911. Suspected cases of online child sexual exploitation should be reported via the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.
To combat online child sexual exploitation further, individuals are encouraged to learn more by scheduling a Project iGuardian presentation for various groups or events by emailing iGuardian.hq@hsi.dhs.gov.
For interview requests regarding this matter, contact Public Affairs Officer Tanya Roman at Tanya.Roman@hsi.dhs.gov.
