ICE Lodges Detainer for Illegal Immigrant Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen

Authorities say the suspect has a history of violence since entering the U.S. in 2017 through the Diversity Visa program.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:31pm

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an arrest detainer against Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad, a 31-year-old criminal illegal alien from Egypt, who is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl on New Year's Eve while she was asleep in her bed in Tennessee. Awad allegedly broke into the victim's apartment, sexually assaulted her, and was found with a handgun tucked into his waistband.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the Diversity Visa program and the potential risks posed by criminal illegal immigrants who are allowed to enter the country. It also raises questions about immigration enforcement and whether more needs to be done to protect vulnerable populations from violent offenders.

The details

According to the report, Awad allegedly broke into the victim's apartment in Nashville and began sexually assaulting her while she was asleep in her bed next to her nephew. The victim allegedly found Awad in her bed with a handgun and was sexually assaulted. She later broke free, grabbed her nephew, and told Awad she would not tell anyone about the incident if he left. Awad has a history of violence since entering the U.S. in 2017 through the Diversity Visa program, including previous charges of domestic violence, intimidation, possession of a weapon, violation of a court order, and vehicle theft.

  • On New Year's Eve, Awad allegedly broke into the victim's apartment and sexually assaulted her.
  • On January 16, Awad was apprehended by police in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Awad was extradited to Tennessee the following week.

The players

Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad

A 31-year-old criminal illegal alien from Egypt who is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Tennessee.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has lodged an arrest detainer against Awad.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Assistant Secretary who stated that the "horrendous immigration policies allowed this monster into our country and made victims of children and families."

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What they’re saying

“Horrendous immigration policies allowed this monster into our country and made victims of children and families.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary (americantalk.live)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mena Mohsen Farez Nmn Awad out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential risks posed by the Diversity Visa program and the need for stronger immigration enforcement to protect vulnerable populations from violent offenders who are allowed to enter the country.