ICE calls Indian national a 'criminal illegal alien' after arresting him for sexually assaulting a minor

Highlights:

• ICE says Indian national faces sexual assault and larceny charges in New Jersey
• Agency describes him as an undocumented immigrant
• He is being held pending removal proceedings
• Arrest comes amid broader federal immigration crackdown
• DHS recently released a database of convicted “criminal illegal aliens”

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of an Indian national accused of sexually assaulting a minor in New Jersey.

In a statement posted on X, the agency identified the accused as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli. ICE described him as an undocumented immigrant who is now in custody and facing removal proceedings under US immigration law.

“Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey. We'll keep him in custody pending removal proceedings,” ICE said in a post on X.

The agency also listed the allegations in a separate post:

—SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD UNDER 13
—SHOPLIFTING
—PUBLIC DISORDER

Calling Kottapalli a “child rapist,” ICE said he is accused of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. The agency did not share details about the date of the alleged assault or when the arrest took place. Court proceedings related to the charges are still pending.

Authorities say, in addition to the sexual assault allegation, the accused also faces charges of larceny and public disorder in New Jersey. No further details about the specific incidents were provided in the public statement.

The arrest comes at a time when immigration enforcement has intensified across the United States. Under President Donald Trump’s second term, federal agencies have expanded efforts targeting undocumented immigrants, especially those accused or convicted of crimes.

In December, ICE detained an Indian truck driver involved in a fatal highway accident in Oregon that resulted in two deaths. According to data shared by the Indian government, more than 3,800 Indian nationals were deported from the United States in 2025 as part of the administration’s immigration enforcement campaign.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also released a database of approximately 25,000 individuals described as “criminal illegal aliens.” The list includes people arrested by ICE and US Customs and Border Protection who have been convicted of serious crimes, including murder, sexual offenses, and drug trafficking. Among those listed, 89 are identified as being of Indian origin.

President Trump began his second term by signing executive orders aimed at tightening border security and strengthening deportation policies. On his first day back in office, he declared a “national emergency” at the southern US border and announced the deployment of additional troops. He has repeatedly stated his intention to deport what he calls “criminal aliens.”

At the same time, immigration enforcement operations in several states have sparked debate and concern. Some operations have turned tense, drawing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and a number of Republicans who have raised questions about the scale and methods of enforcement.

As for Kottapalli, ICE says he will remain in federal custody while removal proceedings move forward. The criminal charges in New Jersey will proceed through the state’s legal system.