Federal immigration authorities in Pennsylvania have stepped up enforcement, arresting individuals charged with serious crimes, including sexual assault, after their release from local custody. On June 13, 2025, ICE Philadelphia arrested Noel Chinchilla-Avilez, a Honduran national, in York, Pennsylvania, after he was charged with statutory rape and receiving stolen property.
Noel Chinchilla-Avilez had a final order of removal and a federal arrest warrant issued on February 10, 2025, for failing to leave the United States 🇺🇸 as ordered. He is now in federal custody, awaiting criminal proceedings. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by ICE Philadelphia to remove individuals accused of violent crimes, especially those involving sexual assault of children, from the community.
In another recent case, ICE Philadelphia, working with Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS, and the ATF, arrested Silvestre Herrera-Vasquez, a 48-year-old Mexican national, on July 28, 2025, in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Herrera-Vasquez had a 2014 warrant for strongarm rape and previous convictions for retail theft. He is being processed for expedited removal and remains in ICE custody.
ICE Philadelphia has also arrested other high-profile individuals, such as Yehia Elham Badawi, an Egyptian national with a violent criminal history, on July 30, 2025, in Philadelphia. These actions are part of a broader push to prioritize the arrest and removal of people with serious criminal backgrounds, especially those charged with violent or sexual offenses against children.
Current Status and Policy Changes
As of August 2, 2025, both Noel Chinchilla-Avilez and Silvestre Herrera-Vasquez are in federal custody, awaiting removal proceedings or criminal prosecution. ICE Philadelphia has made it clear that protecting public safety is a top priority. Brian McShane, Acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia, stated, “Our focus is on removing dangerous criminals from our communities.” Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia, added that targeting individuals with serious criminal backgrounds is essential to upholding the law.
Recent policy changes have made it easier for ICE to detain and remove noncitizens without legal status. As of July 7, 2025, detention is now the default for these individuals, and bond hearings are no longer guaranteed. This means that people like Noel Chinchilla-Avilez, charged with sexual assault, are more likely to remain in custody until their cases are resolved.
Federal agencies are also now requesting data from local jails to coordinate removals when individuals are released, even in sanctuary cities like Philadelphia. This move directly challenges local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Military bases in Indiana and New Jersey are being used for detention, raising concerns among advocacy groups about the treatment of detainees.
Enforcement Trends and Community Impact
ICE Philadelphia has increased its arrest quotas, leading to a sharp rise in both criminal and noncriminal arrests in Pennsylvania and across the United States 🇺🇸. In June 2025, ICE made 332 noncriminal arrests in Pennsylvania, up from just 70 in January. Noncriminal arrests now make up 51% of daily ICE arrests, compared to 27% at the start of the year.
The Philadelphia metropolitan area is home to nearly 50,000 undocumented immigrants. Many families and community members are worried about the increased risk of arrest, especially after the Trump administration rescinded the 2021 “sensitive areas” policy. This change, effective January 21, 2025, allows ICE and CBP agents to enter schools, hospitals, and churches to make arrests, places that were previously considered off-limits.
Multiple Perspectives and Community Response
Federal officials argue that these enforcement actions are necessary to protect public safety and enforce immigration laws. However, local officials and advocacy groups in Philadelphia have pushed back. Groups like the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia and the Defender Association of Philadelphia have increased “know-your-rights” training and are calling for more legal defense resources for immigrants facing detention and deportation.
Some city leaders are urging more training for law enforcement and city officials to ensure that sanctuary policies are upheld and to limit cooperation with ICE where possible. Advocacy groups are also concerned about the rise in noncriminal arrests, which they say can lead to the detention and removal of people without criminal convictions, separating families and disrupting communities.
Procedures and Reporting
When a criminal alien is released from local custody, ICE may issue a federal arrest warrant and take the individual into custody for removal proceedings or prosecution. Under the new 2025 policies, individuals arrested by ICE are brought to federal court for initial hearings and may be detained without bond. The public can report information about criminal aliens or fugitives to ICE through the Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or by using the ICE online tip form.
Background and Legal Context
Philadelphia has had sanctuary city policies since 2016, limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The Trump administration’s 2025 executive orders and policy changes have directly challenged these protections, leading to increased tension between federal and local authorities. Previous attempts to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities were blocked by courts, but the current administration is seeking new ways to enforce compliance.
Future Outlook and Solutions
Legal challenges are expected as Philadelphia and other sanctuary cities try to defend their local policies against new federal enforcement rules. Advocacy groups are pushing for more funding for immigrant legal defense and expanded sanctuary protections. ICE is likely to continue focusing on arresting and removing individuals with criminal charges, especially those accused of violent or sexual offenses like sexual assault, while also meeting higher arrest quotas for noncriminal aliens.
Practical Guidance for Affected Communities
- Know Your Rights: Immigrants should attend “know-your-rights” workshops and seek legal advice if they or a family member are at risk of arrest.
- Legal Support: Contact organizations like the Defender Association of Philadelphia or the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia for help.
- Reporting: The public can report information about criminal aliens, including cases like Noel Chinchilla-Avilez, to ICE using the Tip Line or online form.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from ICE Philadelphia and local advocacy groups for the latest information on enforcement actions and policy changes.
For more details on immigration enforcement and removal procedures, visit the official ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these recent actions by ICE Philadelphia, including the arrest of Noel Chinchilla-Avilez for sexual assault, reflect a broader trend of stricter immigration enforcement and increased cooperation between federal and local agencies. The impact on immigrant communities is significant, with many families facing uncertainty and fear. Staying informed, seeking legal support, and understanding your rights are key steps for anyone affected by these changes.
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