In Montgomery County, Maryland, a Honduran national, present in the United States illegally, has been accused of raping his 15-year-old stepdaughter. This incident marks the seventh such case in the area within the past five weeks, raising concerns about the county’s status as a “sanctuary” jurisdiction.
Emilio Carrasco-Hernandez, 37, faces multiple charges including second-degree rape, sex abuse of a minor, third-degree sex offense, and fourth-degree sex offense, according to WJLA. The alleged victim reported to Montgomery County police that her stepfather sexually assaulted her repeatedly between August 16 and August 25. She described the assaults as causing significant pain, making it difficult for her to use the bathroom afterward.
Detectives reported that the victim stated, “she could not move and Emilio Carrasco-Hernandez was squishing her with his body.” The 200-lb. Carrasco-Hernandez allegedly kissed the girl’s body and even bit her shirt during one incident.
As a result of the allegations, the victim’s mother reportedly evicted Carrasco-Hernandez from their Wheaton home after discovering them together in a bedroom. While the age of consent in Maryland is 16, the mother initially believed the act was consensual and influenced by alcohol.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a statement to WJLA, revealing that Carrasco-Hernandez had been previously deported in April 2017 but subsequently re-entered the United States “sometime thereafter.” If convicted on all charges, Carrasco-Hernandez could face up to 56 years in state prison. Additionally, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for re-entering the U.S. after deportation, according to an ICE official.
ICE has reportedly placed a detainer on Carrasco-Hernandez, and he is currently jailed without bond. He faces charges of second-degree rape, third and fourth degree sex offenses, and sex abuse of a minor.
MORE: Per ICE, Carrasco-Hernandez is a Honduran national living in the U.S. illegally. In April 2017, an immigration judge sent the then 35yo back to Honduras. He later re-entered the U.S. on an unknown date and by unknown means. Carrasco-Hernandez is being held without bond. pic.twitter.com/wMitx8mtJE
The national spotlight has focused on Montgomery County recently. Since July 25, police have arrested at least seven confirmed undocumented immigrants for alleged rapes and sexual assaults. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed an executive order last month designating the county a “sanctuary” jurisdiction.
The order prohibits county agencies, including police departments, from cooperating with ICE. Immigration agents are barred from entering secure areas of county jails and must take custody of illegal immigrants in public areas, such as jail parking lots. Earlier this month, another undocumented immigrant was arrested on second-degree rape and assault charges but was released days later after the Montgomery County Jail ignored ICE’s detainer request. This lack of cooperation has drawn criticism and fueled the debate over sanctuary policies.
The rise in these types of violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants has ignited a fierce debate regarding immigration policies and the safety of communities within sanctuary jurisdictions. The case of Emilio Carrasco-Hernandez further intensifies this discussion, highlighting the potential consequences of non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing illegal immigration and public safety.