Federal immigration officials are urging New York authorities not to release a 59-year-old Salvadoran national accused of raping a 16-year-old girl on Long Island, warning that he should be turned over to ICE if released from local custody.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Thursday that it lodged an immigration detainer against Aureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes, who is charged in Suffolk County with rape, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.According to prosecutors and DHS, the alleged assault occurred on June 6 as the girl was walking home in Huntington.Authorities said Reyes repeatedly approached the girl and asked for her phone number.After she refused, he allegedly forced her into an alley and sexually assaulted her.NY PROSECUTOR SIDESTEPS SANCTUARY LAW AND COORDINATES ICE ARREST OF GUATEMALAN CHILD RAPE SUSPECTFederal immigration authorities have lodged a detainer against Aureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on Long Island.
(James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images; Department of Homeland Security)The girl was eventually able to break free and call 911 while running from Reyes, who was allegedly chasing her, according to DHS.Responding officers took Reyes into custody."The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement.ILLEGAL MIGRANT BABYSITTER ACCUSED IN 5-YEAR-OLD ATTACK NOW FACES MAJOR CHARGESAureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes, 59, is charged with rape, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child in Suffolk County, New York.(Department of Homeland Security)"A 16-year-old girl should be able to walk safely without being targeted, pursued, and brutally assaulted.
My office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community’s safety, especially our children."According to DHS, Reyes entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location and was ...