"His criminal history includes a conviction for indecent behavior with a juvenile and was sentenced to 2 years in prison."

"His criminal history includes a conviction for indecent behavior with a juvenile and was sentenced to 2 years in prison."

A Guatemalan national with a prior conviction for indecent behavior with a juvenile has been arrested in New Orleans by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, officials confirmed.

ICE identified the suspect as Cristian Soto-Galeano, who previously served a two-year prison sentence on the molestation charge. The agency announced his arrest as part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations in Louisiana.

“Sexual predator arrested: ICE New Orleans arrested Cristian Soto-Galeano, a citizen of Guatemala. His criminal history includes a conviction for indecent behavior with a juvenile and was sentenced to 2 years in prison,” the agency said in a statement. "We stand ready to face any challenge, big or small."

The arrest comes as Louisiana continues to be one of the most cooperative states in the nation when it comes to assisting federal immigration authorities. According to Axios, Louisiana had 10 active or pending 287(g) agreements in July, which allow state and local law enforcement to coordinate directly with ICE.

Governor Jeff Landry has moved for expanded cooperation, signing an executive order in May urging additional parishes and local agencies to enter into these agreements. By contrast, both the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office remain largely restricted from direct collaboration with ICE due to existing policies.

Nationwide, ICE activity has been strongest in southern states with Democratic-leaning urban centers, while rural red states have seen less enforcement.

ICE New Orleans has also carried out wider operations in recent months. On May 27, Homeland Security Investigations, with the support of US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, arrested 15 individuals illegally present in the United States during a targeted worksite enforcement action at construction sites in the New Orleans area. Those arrested included nationals of Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

“Worksite enforcement investigations focus on reducing illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for the country's lawful workforce,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “HSI New Orleans will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation.”