ICE arrest Dominican Republic national accused of child sexual abuse

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Belardis Tapia Gonzalez, a Dominican Republic national, in Lynn, Massachusetts, on November 18. He faces serious charges of second-degree child molestation and sexual assault. According to ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston, Tapia Gonzalez entered the United States unlawfully around July 2021. His arrest is part of ICE’s ongoing efforts to apprehend individuals who pose a threat to public safety and national security.

ERO Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde emphasized the critical nature of the arrest, stating, "ERO Boston is tasked with keeping our communities safe from potentially dangerous noncitizens — particularly those accused of crimes as egregious as child sexual assault."

In a separate incident, ICE removed Alvi Grant Baez Guzman, 25, to the Dominican Republic. Baez was a fugitive wanted for homicide in his home country. The Worcester County House of Corrections notified ICE of his pending release, allowing for a coordinated arrest.

Director Hyde highlighted the importance of cooperation with local law enforcement, noting, "When ERO Boston's officers can cooperate with local law enforcement, we can arrest potentially dangerous criminal noncitizens in safe, controlled locations. That helps protect our officers, the public, and the noncitizens we arrest."

Baez, who has multiple aliases including Grullon Antonio and Johan, was initially arrested by Northborough Police for larceny and identification violations.

Following his arraignment, a judge ordered his removal on September 16, which ICE subsequently executed.