Antonio Mendez Reyes, a 59-year-old Salvadoran illegal immigrant, is under indictment after a disturbing crime in Huntington, Long Island. This incident highlights a significant failure in immigration enforcement, given that Reyes had a final order for his removal dating back to 1998, yet remained in the United States.
On June 6, the teenager was walking home when Reyes approached her. After she refused to give him her phone number, he forcibly dragged her into an alley and assaulted her. The victim managed to escape and call for help. Authorities have charged Reyes with rape, sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child.
“This monster is charged with rape… This sexual predator NEVER should have been in our country and able to prey on this innocent girl,” stated Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Her remarks emphasize the gravity of the situation and the danger posed by individuals like Reyes, who evade deportation orders.
Despite the serious charges, Reyes’s situation is complicated by the policies of New York as a sanctuary state. DHS has lodged an immigration detainer, urging state officials to comply and prevent Reyes from being released after his legal proceedings. Yet history suggests this might not happen. Since January 2025, New York has released nearly 7,000 individuals who had active ICE detainers. This has contributed to a growing list of serious crimes committed by illegal aliens in the state, including homicides and sexual offenses.
Documented failures in compliance with ICE detainers create a pattern of risk for public safety. As of December 1, 2025, numerous criminals remain free in New York, with their offenses encompassing a vast range of violent crimes, including sexual predation.
The continuous presence of individuals like Reyes in the country raises pressing questions about the effectiveness of immigration policies and the protection of vulnerable citizens. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks when law enforcement priorities diverge from immigration enforcement. The focus now turns to New York’s response and whether they will heed the call to prevent further risk to their communities.
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