ICE Lodges Detainer for 29-Year-Old Venezuelan Charged in Montana Child Rape Case
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 12
ICE Lodges Detainer for 29-Year-Old Venezuelan Charged in Montana Child Rape Case
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 12
Wualter Jesus Travieso Soto, 29, remains jailed in Flathead County on $200,000 bail after pleading not guilty April 9 to felony sexual intercourse without consent involving a child under 16.
ICE has asked Montana officials not to release Soto, saying the Venezuelan national entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and was later released before his arrest on Feb. 1.
The investigation began in May 2025 after his former girlfriend’s sister reported suspicious photos and videos; once she won guardianship after the mother’s 2024 death, the girl told investigators Soto had raped her multiple times and once choked her.
Court records reviewed by Fox News Digital show Soto also sought legal guardianship of at least one child after his girlfriend died; his next court date is Aug. 3.
DHS used the case to attack prior catch-and-release policies, while saying cooperation with Montana authorities would allow ICE to take Soto into custody if he is released locally.
Will state justice for the child victim be served before federal authorities can deport the accused perpetrator?
How did a man gain custody of his deceased girlfriend's children without any formal oversight or background checks?