ICE requests custody of Venezuelan accused of child sexual abuse in the US
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has requested the custody of Wualter Jesús Travieso Soto, a Venezuelan citizen detained in Montana, with the aim of initiating his deportation process, while he faces serious accusations of sexual abuse against the minor daughter of his deceased partner. According to information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the immigration agency asked Flathead County authorities not to release the accused, as he has been in custody since February 1, 2026.
TL;DR
- ICE is seeking custody of Wualter Jesús Travieso Soto, a Venezuelan citizen detained in Montana.
- Travieso Soto faces charges of felony sexual assault against a minor.
- He allegedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and was granted custody of his deceased partner's children in 2024.
- An investigation began in May 2025 after photos and videos of inappropriate conduct were found.
- ICE aims to deport Travieso Soto after judicial proceedings conclude.
- A DHS official attributed his prior release to immigration policies of the previous administration.