ICE Nabs Salvadoran Rapist in Md. Before Law Change

Washington — In a stunning display of law enforcement prowess, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Baltimore has successfully removed Ruben Alonso Hernandez-Lainez, a 29-year-old Salvadoran national, from Maryland. Hernandez was convicted of second-degree assault and second-degree rape in Frederick County, Maryland, and ICE agents captured him before a landmark bill banned partnerships between state and local law enforcement agencies and ICE.

“ICE could only arrest and remove this criminal illegal alien thanks to our 287(g) partnership with Frederick County,” said ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall. “The Maryland legislature’s attempt to undermine this critical relationship is profoundly disappointing, as it leaves communities vulnerable to rapists like Hernandez.”

Hernandez entered the United States illegally in 2021 and was released by Border Patrol officials in Texas due to the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policies. He later attacked and raped an innocent victim in Maryland.

On May 15, 2023, Maryland’s Frederick Police Department arrested him on charges of rape and assault. A judge sentenced him to three years and four months in prison, with all but 18 months suspended, and placed him on five years of supervised probation. On January 20, 2026, an immigration judge issued Hernandez’s final order of removal, and ICE removed him from the United States on January 30.

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins praised the 287(g) partnership for keeping a convicted rapist off the streets. “This demonstrates the real public safety value of the 287(g) program,” he said. “Ending this effective partnership due to legislation passed in Maryland will allow violent criminals like Hernandez to be released and put ICE agents in dangerous situations.”

ICE encourages the public to report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE or completing an online tip form. Learn more about ICE’s public safety mission on X at @ICEgov.