Texas law enforcement has arrested a Salvadoran man previously deported three times on charges related to the sexual abuse of a child.
The suspect, 39-year-old Florentin Chevez-Luna, was apprehended during a targeted operation in Colony Ridge, Liberty County according to The New York Post.
Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Texas Department of Public Safety took part in the arrest, which happened on February 24 in Plum Grove, Texas.
Chevez-Luna's arrest is the latest in a string of law enforcement efforts in the area. The Salvadoran national has reportedly been deported three times before, with a history that traces back to previous offenses.
Charges against Chevez-Luna include continuous sexual abuse of a minor that occurred over an extended period. Reports indicate the abuse took place from November 2008 to November 2016, affecting the life of a young victim in multiple ways.
The survivor of this abuse came forward to disclose the details on March 1, 2023. The report of such an extensive pattern of abuse in southwest Houston brought attention to Chevez-Luna's activities.
Public safety is a primary concern for officials, with routines in place to ensure community security. "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducts routine, daily enforcement alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners throughout the Houston community to bolster public safety, national security, and border security," ICE officials shared with Breitbart Texas.
This isn't the first time Chevez-Luna had interactions with law enforcement. Back in July 2012, he received a conviction for resisting arrest, which resulted in a 30-day jail sentence.
His past deportations stemmed from an initial final order of removal issued in August 2010. Since then, he's been removed from the country in September 2010, March 2011, and after serving his jail term in September 2012, a month later.
Authorities made sure to file immigration detainers following these deportations. Despite these measures, Chevez-Luna managed to re-enter the U.S., prompting more vigilance among law enforcement agencies.
Coinciding with the arrest of Chevez-Luna, another deported Salvadoran individual was apprehended on different charges. This individual was implicated in a murder connected to an altercation involving a possible MS-13 gang member.
The incident occurred on County Road 5740 in Colony Ridge, prompting immediate law enforcement response. The altercation escalated to the point of ending in a fatality, leaving the community shaken.
Scott Engle, a reporter from the Montgomery County Police, highlighted the severity of the event. "The altercation ended with the victim being stabbed to death in his truck at his home," Engle reported, underscoring the gravity of the violence involved.
These incidents highlight broader challenges faced by the community in terms of handling criminal activities involving migrant populations.
The presence of previously deported individuals implicated in serious crimes emphasizes the ongoing efforts required to enhance security.
Collaboration remains key for these enforcement operations. By combining the expertise and resources of various agencies, including those at local, state, and federal levels, authorities aim to reinforce both community and national safety.
The vigilance of officers and the courage of victims coming forward play crucial roles in tackling such complex issues. These actions contribute to a larger strategy to safeguard communities against repeated criminal activity.
As these investigations progress, the outcomes will potentially influence policies regarding immigration enforcement and community safety measures. Ensuring justice for victims while maintaining public safety remains a pressing objective for all involved.
