North Carolina Man Held on ICE Detainer Faces Multiple Statutory Rape Charges
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A 29-year-old man held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer has been charged with three counts of statutory rape following a multi-agency investigation in North Carolina. Juan Ramon Juarez-Talamantes faces allegations involving victims reportedly contacted through the social media platform Snapchat, according to court documents and law enforcement officials.
Authorities say Juarez-Talamantes was charged with two counts of statutory rape in November 2025 involving a minor between the ages of 13 and 15, with a third count added in January 2026. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the Asheville Police Department worked jointly on the case after receiving reports of child sexual assault in July 2024 and again in September 2025.
Following his arrest, Juarez-Talamantes was held without bond and placed on an ICE detainer, which means federal immigration authorities have requested custody of him. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency often issues detainers to ensure individuals suspected of serious crimes remain in custody pending immigration proceedings.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of cooperation between local and federal agencies in investigating crimes involving vulnerable populations. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office credited the Asheville Police Department for their partnership throughout the investigation.
The use of social media platforms like Snapchat to communicate with minors has increasingly become a concern for law enforcement nationwide. The Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section has highlighted how offenders exploit these platforms to contact and groom victims.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE detainers are part of broader efforts to enforce immigration laws while addressing public safety concerns. Juarez-Talamantes’s case illustrates the intersection of criminal justice and immigration enforcement policies.
Community advocates and child protection organizations have called for increased vigilance and resources to prevent exploitation of minors online. The Children’s Bureau within the Department of Health and Human Services provides guidance and support for addressing child abuse and neglect, including cases involving sexual exploitation.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released additional details about the victims or the circumstances surrounding the alleged offenses, citing the sensitive nature of the case and ongoing legal proceedings. Juarez-Talamantes remains in custody pending further court hearings.
Leave a Reply