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ICE has detained an Indian national in New Jersey over alleged sexual assault of a child under 13, along with larceny and public disorder charges, and initiated deportation proceedings.
ICE identified the man as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli and described him as an undocumented immigrant with pending criminal charges in the state. (Photo: X/@ICEgov)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 17, 2026 07:57 IST
US immigration authorities have detained an Indian national in New Jersey who is facing charges including the alleged sexual assault of a child under 13.
In a statement on social media, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified the man as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, describing him as an undocumented immigrant with pending charges of sexual assault, larceny linked to shoplifting, and public disorder. ICE said he will remain in custody pending removal proceedings under US immigration law.
The agency did not disclose the date of arrest, the county where the case has been filed, or further details of the alleged offences. Criminal charges are allegations, and the case will be decided through the judicial process.
DEPORTATIONS OF INDIANS SEE SHARP RISE
The detention comes against the backdrop of a significant increase in the deportation of Indian nationals from the United States. The Centre informed Parliament that more than 3,800 Indians were deported from the US in 2025 after verification of nationality and coordination between the two governments.
The government has not released a detailed breakdown separating deportations linked to criminal charges from those arising solely from immigration violations.
US authorities have stated that individuals accused or convicted of serious offences, particularly those involving minors, are prioritised for detention and removal. Under US law, non-citizens facing certain criminal charges can be held in immigration custody while their cases proceed in court.
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Published On:
Feb 17, 2026
