Maryland Rape Case: ICE Deportation Avoids Legislative Block

FREDERICK, MD – A Salvadoran national convicted of brutally assaulting and raping a woman in Frederick County is now back in his home country, thanks to a last-minute deportation executed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ruben Alonso Hernandez-Lainez, 29, was removed from the United States on January 30th, narrowly avoiding a roadblock thrown up by Maryland lawmakers.

Hernandez-Lainez illegally entered the U.S. in 2021, initially encountered by Border Patrol near Hidalgo, Texas. He was released under what ICE officials are calling the Biden administration’s “catch-and-release” policies, a decision that would ultimately lead to the horrific crimes committed in Maryland. In May 2023, Frederick Police arrested Hernandez-Lainez on charges of second-degree assault and second-degree rape.

A judge convicted Hernandez-Lainez in February 2025, sentencing him to three years and four months in prison, with all but 18 months suspended, and five years of supervised probation. However, ICE took custody of Hernandez-Lainez on January 20, 2026, after an immigration judge issued a final order of removal. The deportation was completed just weeks before a new Maryland law, designed to sever partnerships between state and local law enforcement and ICE, went into effect.

“ICE could only arrest and remove this criminal illegal alien thanks to our 287(g) partnership with Frederick County,” stated ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall. “It’s profoundly disappointing that the Maryland legislature is trying to undermine this critical law enforcement relationship. These partnerships keep rapists and public safety threats like Hernandez out of our communities.” The 287(g) program allows state and local officers to act as immigration enforcement agents.

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins echoed those concerns. “This demonstrates the real public safety value of the 287(g) program,” Jenkins said. “After 18 years of success, this very effective partnership will be ended because of legislation passed in Maryland. Violent criminals like Hernandez will now be released and ICE will be forced to make apprehensions on the street rather a safe custody transfer in the jail.” Jenkins predicts the new law will dramatically increase risks for Maryland residents.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety. ICE encourages the public to report crimes and suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting an online tip. Follow ICE on X at @ICEgov for updates on their public safety mission.