ICE New England arrests Guatemalan national after alleged indecent solicitation of a child in Portsmouth

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — ICE New England administratively arrested an illegally present Guatemalan national who had recently been charged and released on bond in the State of Rhode Island for allegedly engaging a minor for the purpose of sex.

According to ERO Boston, 29-year-old Josue Santiago Perez Gomez was taken into ICE custody on July 12, one day after he was arrested by local authorities in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on charges of patronizing a minor for commercial sex, indecent solicitation of a child, and procurement of sexual conduct for a fee.

“This individual’s administrative arrest underscores HSI New England’s commitment to targeted enforcement that works to identify individuals seeking to cause harm to our communities, including and especially children,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI will continue to work with our partners to enforce laws that uphold national security and the safety and wellbeing of our neighborhoods.”

Upon his release from criminal custody, ICE HSI and ERO personnel administratively arrested Perez Gomez, who was illegally present in the U.S. after having entered the country at an unknown time without inspection.

On Sunday, August 10th, Portsmouth RI Police issued a clarification on what took place.

“Recent media reports regarding the Portsmouth Police Department’s handling of the arrest of Josue Perez Gomez contain information that requires clarification. As outlined in our agency’s official press release, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was a federal partner in our child exploitation investigation and was present with our officers during Mr. Perez Gomez’s arrest on July 11, 2025.

“Following his arrest, Mr. Perez Gomez was held overnight at the Portsmouth Police Station for arraignment the next morning by a bail commissioner. On July 12, at 10:07 a.m., the Portsmouth Police Department received a detainer from the Department of Homeland Security requesting that our agency notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prior to Mr. Perez Gomez’s release from custody. The Portsmouth Police Department provided the requested notification to federal agents.

“After posting $5,000 surety bail, Mr. Perez Gomez was escorted by Portsmouth officers to the station lobby, where video shows him exiting the building and being immediately apprehended outside the front doors by awaiting ICE investigators. While ICE was positioned outside and not involved in the in-station process, their presence and arrest were coordinated in advance with our department and HSI.

“The Portsmouth Police Department remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that individuals who exploit minors and vulnerable populations are held accountable at every level of the justice system.”

Perez Gomez remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.