
An El Salvador man, Francisco Javier Melendez Torres, who was wanted for sex crimes involving a minor in his home country, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Philadelphia. Melendez Torres was wanted by law enforcement in El Salvador for aggravated rape of a minor and sexual harassment.
ICE removed Melendez Torres on Jan. 31 after he entered the United States illegally and had a final order of removal issued in December 2024. Brian McShane, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Philadelphia field office director, emphasized the dangers individuals like Melendez Torres pose to communities.