ICE Issues Detainer for Egyptian Immigrant Accused of Assaulting Teen in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Federal immigration authorities have lodged an arrest detainer against Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad, a 31-year-old Egyptian national accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl while she was asleep in her bed in Nashville on New Year’s Eve. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Awad entered the United States in 2017 through the Diversity Visa program and has a documented history of violence, including prior charges related to domestic violence, intimidation, and possession of a weapon.
The incident reportedly occurred when Awad allegedly broke into the victim’s apartment and began the assault while the teenager was asleep next to her nephew. The girl later awoke to find Awad in her bed, reportedly with a handgun tucked into his waistband. She managed to break free, grabbed her nephew, and confronted Awad, telling him she would remain silent if he left the premises.
Metro Nashville Police Department officers responded to the scene and took Awad into custody. ICE promptly filed an arrest detainer to ensure that federal immigration authorities could take custody of Awad upon release from local law enforcement. This action reflects ICE’s ongoing efforts to detain and remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety, particularly those with criminal histories.
The Department of Homeland Security has emphasized the importance of cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies to protect communities from violent offenders. Awad’s case highlights concerns regarding the vetting process for immigrants admitted through visa programs and the challenges of monitoring individuals with criminal records.
Local authorities have expressed commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Meanwhile, ICE continues its enforcement operations nationwide, recently arresting over 200 individuals in Maine alone during a one-week deployment targeting criminal illegal immigrants.
The incident in Nashville has sparked renewed debate over immigration policies and public safety measures. Advocates for immigrant rights caution against broad generalizations but acknowledge the need for effective enforcement against those who commit serious crimes. The American Civil Liberties Union has called for transparency and due process in ICE operations, emphasizing the protection of constitutional rights.
As the investigation proceeds, Awad remains in custody facing charges related to sexual assault. The collaboration between local police and federal agencies underscores the complex intersection of immigration enforcement and criminal justice in the United States.
For more information on ICE’s enforcement priorities and public safety initiatives, visit the official ICE website or the Department of Homeland Security portal.
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