It has been revealed that a man accused of brutally assaulting a teenage girl and a woman while brandishing a machete in Maryland is in the United States illegally.
The suspect, identified as Jose Roberto Hernandez-Espinal, a native of El Salvador, had entered the country without proper documentation in 2013, as confirmed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Maryland teen rape suspect is illegal immigrant from El Salvador: ICE https://t.co/NhnIiUtf2M
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 20, 2023
The initial incident occurred earlier in the month at a park in Silver Spring, where authorities say the 20-year-old molested a 15-year-old girl. Just days later on May 16, he allegedly committed another crime at the same park, subduing a woman and her friend with a menacing display of a machete.
The victims were reportedly terrified as he pointed the weapon at the woman’s back, forcing her into a secluded area where he proceeded to violate her. In addition to the traumatic ordeal, the assailant also allegedly stole the victim’s jewelry before running off the scene, leaving both women traumatized and scarred.
After conducting a search for his location, law enforcement authorities apprehended Hernandez-Espinal that same day and charged him for the alleged rape and armed robbery. Aside from the assault charge, the charges against him include armed robbery and kidnapping, and armed robbery.
While details of the initial crime are not known, Montgomery County police are exploring the possibility of more victims. In a statement posted to Facebook, the department expressed belief that the woman and teenage girl might not have been the only ones who have suffered assault in the hands of Hernandez-Espinal as they encourage possible victims to speak up.
The revelation that Hernandez-Espinal is an illegal immigrant has added fuel to the debate surrounding immigration policies in the United States under the leadership of President Joe Biden.
With illegal immigration reaching record highs in recent years, the crime brings into focus the critical issue of border security and raises questions about the effectiveness of current immigration measures.
Advocates for stricter immigration policies argue that incidents like the one involving Hernandez-Espinal are preventable with more robust border control and an improved immigration system.
