ICE Calls for Lexington to Keep Alleged Kidnapping Suspect in Custody

31-year-old Jorge Luis Martinez-Ulloa faces multiple charges including kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:03pm

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer on a suspect held in the Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Jorge Luis Martinez-Ulloa, 31, was arrested on Saturday and charged with kidnapping, strangulation, rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 12. According to ICE, Martinez-Ulloa entered the U.S. in 2012 and has attempted to re-enter the country three times in 2021.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the challenges in balancing public safety concerns with immigration enforcement. It also raises questions about the screening and monitoring of individuals with prior immigration violations who are accused of violent crimes.

The details

Lexington police say Martinez-Ulloa pulled a young girl into his apartment and sexually assaulted her. ICE claims that Martinez-Ulloa entered the U.S. in 2012 near Laredo, Texas and has attempted to re-enter the country three times in 2021. The agency is now calling for Lexington to keep Martinez-Ulloa in custody, stating that 'we need more cities and states to cooperate with us to help remove sickos like this from our country'.

  • Martinez-Ulloa was arrested on Saturday, April 1, 2026.
  • According to court records, Martinez-Ulloa is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 7, 2026.

The players

Jorge Luis Martinez-Ulloa

A 31-year-old man charged with kidnapping, strangulation, rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 12.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has issued a detainer on Martinez-Ulloa and is calling for Lexington to keep him in custody.

Lexington Police

The local law enforcement agency that arrested Martinez-Ulloa and is cooperating with ICE's detainer request.

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What they’re saying

“We need more cities and states to cooperate with us to help remove sickos like this from our country.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

What’s next

According to court records, Martinez-Ulloa is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 7, 2026, where a judge will decide whether to keep him in custody.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the challenges in balancing public safety concerns with immigration enforcement. It also raises questions about the screening and monitoring of individuals with prior immigration violations who are accused of violent crimes.