A 59-year-old Salvadoran national faces serious criminal charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Huntington, Long Island, prompting federal immigration authorities to issue an urgent detainer request. Aureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes was arrested on June 6 following the incident and now faces charges of rape, sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child in Suffolk County. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Thursday that it has lodged an immigration detainer against Reyes, warning New York officials not to release him back into the community.
The case has reignited tensions between federal immigration enforcement and New York’s sanctuary policies. DHS officials emphasized that Reyes should never have been in the United States, pointing to a final removal order issued against him by an immigration judge in 1998. The agency stated that Reyes entered the country illegally at an unknown date and location, remaining in the United States for over two decades despite the deportation order.
Details of the alleged assault in Huntington
According to prosecutors and DHS statements, the incident occurred on June 6 as the teenage victim was walking home in Huntington. Authorities say Reyes repeatedly approached the girl and asked for her phone number. When she refused his advances, he allegedly forced her into an alley where he sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to break free from her attacker and immediately called 911 while fleeing.
Witnesses reported that Reyes chased the girl as she ran from the scene. Responding officers arrived quickly and took Reyes into custody without further incident. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney addressed the severity of the allegations in a public statement, emphasizing the community’s commitment to protecting children from predators.
“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing,” Tierney stated. “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.”
Federal immigration detainer and sanctuary policy conflict
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a formal immigration detainer against Reyes, requesting that local authorities transfer him to federal custody rather than releasing him back into the community. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis issued a strongly worded statement condemning New York’s sanctuary policies and calling on state leadership to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
“This sexual predator NEVER should have been in our country and able to prey on this innocent girl,” Bis declared. “DHS is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and her fellow sanctuary politicians in New York to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail and to turn him over to ICE.”
The agency emphasized that New York sanctuary politicians must not release criminals from jail into New York communities. The warning reflects broader concerns about public safety and the enforcement of immigration laws in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Statistics on criminal releases in New York jurisdictions
Federal officials provided troubling statistics about criminal releases in New York since the current administration took office. DHS reported that New York jurisdictions have released nearly 7,000 criminal illegal immigrants since January 20, 2025. The agency stated that many of these individuals faced charges for violent crimes.
- Homicide and assault charges among released individuals
- Burglary and property crime offenses documented
- Drug trafficking and distribution charges included
- Over 7,000 individuals currently in New York custody subject to active federal immigration detainers
The statistics underscore federal concerns about sanctuary policies potentially compromising public safety by releasing individuals with criminal backgrounds back into communities rather than transferring them to immigration authorities for deportation proceedings.
Previous immigration violations and removal order
Court records reveal that Reyes has been subject to a final order of removal since 1998, meaning an immigration judge determined over 25 years ago that he should be deported from the United States. Despite this legal determination, Reyes remained in the country for decades. Federal authorities have not disclosed specific details about when or how Reyes entered the United States illegally, or why the 1998 removal order was never executed.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement, particularly regarding individuals who remain in the country despite deportation orders. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials argue that cooperation from state and local law enforcement is essential to identify and detain individuals with outstanding removal orders when they come into contact with the criminal justice system.
Community response and ongoing prosecution
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office has pledged to vigorously prosecute the case against Reyes. Local officials stressed their commitment to holding violent offenders accountable regardless of immigration status. The case proceeds through the criminal justice system with prosecutors preparing evidence for trial.
Representatives from Governor Hochul’s office and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office have been contacted for comment on the federal detainer request and DHS statements. The outcome of this case may influence broader discussions about sanctuary policies and cooperation between state and federal authorities on immigration enforcement matters involving serious criminal charges.
The teenage victim is receiving support services as the prosecution moves forward. Community advocates have called for enhanced safety measures and increased awareness about reporting suspicious behavior to prevent similar incidents in the future.
