ICE Urges Georgia Sheriff Not to Release Accused Child Predator

Honduran national charged with sexually assaulting 10-year-old girl faces deportation

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is urging the Cobb County Sheriff's Office in Georgia not to release a 29-year-old Honduran national accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. Juan Carlos Salvador Diaz, who illegally entered the U.S. in 2019, is facing two counts of aggravated sexual battery and is currently being held without bond. ICE has lodged an arrest detainer with the sheriff's office, requesting that they notify the federal agency before releasing Salvador Diaz from custody so he can be deported.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement over the handling of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. It also raises concerns about public safety and the need for cooperation between different levels of government to address issues of illegal immigration and child sexual abuse.

The details

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Salvador Diaz is accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl on two separate occasions in 2023 and 2025 at an apartment complex in Marietta, Georgia. He was arrested on January 30 and is currently being held without bond. ICE has lodged an arrest detainer with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office, requesting that they notify the federal agency before releasing Salvador Diaz so he can be deported.

  • Salvador Diaz allegedly committed the sexual assaults on August 1, 2025, and December 1, 2023.
  • He was arrested on January 30.

The players

Juan Carlos Salvador Diaz

A 29-year-old Honduran national accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. He illegally entered the U.S. in 2019.

Cobb County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that has custody of Salvador Diaz and is being urged by ICE not to release him.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has lodged an arrest detainer with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office, requesting that they notify ICE before releasing Salvador Diaz so he can be deported.

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What they’re saying

“This monster sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl. We are now asking Georgia authorities to commit to honoring the ICE arrest detainer to ensure this pedophile is not released and able to prey on more innocent children.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (Blaze News)

What’s next

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office will decide whether to honor the ICE detainer and keep Salvador Diaz in custody until he can be deported.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety, immigration enforcement, and local law enforcement autonomy. It underscores the need for better coordination and cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities to address issues of illegal immigration and protect vulnerable members of the community.