ICE confirms illegal U.S. entry by Ohio rape suspect Webster Portalatin-Castro before his Massachusetts arrest. Santiago/Getty Images)
ICE Verifies Webster Portalatin-Castro Illegally Entered the U.S. Prior to Rape Allegation
According to an official statement from ICE, Portalatin-Castro crossed into the United States without legal authorization and had no valid immigration status at the time of his July 31, 2025, arrest.
Authorities say he unlawfully remained in the country for over a year before a warrant was issued by the Cleveland Municipal Court on June 3.
The suspect was apprehended in Lawrence, Massachusetts, during a coordinated operation by the U.S. Marshals Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force, local police, and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section.
Fugitive Located After Multi-State Law Enforcement Collaboration
The arrest followed weeks of interagency cooperation after the Cleveland Police Department requested federal assistance through the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force.
Authorities in Massachusetts responded with the support of the Lowell Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office to locate and arrest the fugitive.
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Portalatin-Castro is being charged as a fugitive from justice. He remains held in Massachusetts pending extradition hearings that will determine when he is transferred to Ohio to face the pending juvenile rape charge.
Immigration Enforcement May Follow Criminal Proceedings
Following resolution of the criminal case, immigration officials may initiate removal proceedings based on his unlawful presence in the United States.
ICE confirmed that any immigration-related enforcement will be evaluated in accordance with federal protocols once state-level prosecution concludes.
Authorities Emphasize Community Safety and Interagency Cooperation
Law enforcement officials have underscored the importance of collaboration in cases where suspects cross state lines to avoid prosecution.
Acting U.S. Marshal Kevin Neal stated the case reflects the success of “intelligence sharing and operational coordination” in pursuing violent fugitives across jurisdictions.
