ICE To Deport Illegal Indian Facing Child Assault Charges

India-West News Desk

EDISON, NJ – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli in connection with the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.

Identified by federal authorities as an undocumented Indian national, Kottapalli is also facing additional pending charges for public disorder and larceny related to shoplifting.

ICE confirmed that the suspect will remain in federal detention as the agency initiates formal removal proceedings under U.S. immigration law. It did not disclose the specific arrest date or the county where the criminal case originated.

U.S. authorities have stated that individuals facing allegations involving minors are prioritized for both detention and deportation.

This detention occurs amidst a significant increase in the repatriation of Indian citizens from the US. The Indian government had recently informed Parliament that more than 3,800 Indians were deported in 2025 following nationality verification and high-level coordination between the two governments.

Although the Indian government has not yet provided a detailed breakdown distinguishing between those removed for criminal charges and those deported for immigration violations, the figures highlight a period of intensified enforcement and bilateral cooperation on removal proceedings.