Mexican illegal immigrant working on California farm arrested over rape and assault charges

An illegal immigrant from Mexico working as an agricultural laborer in Thermal, California was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) El Centro Sector agents.

The man had previously been charged with rape and sodomy of a drugged victim, assault with a deadly weapon, and preventing or dissuading a witness or victim.

The arrest occurred amid ongoing controversy over immigration enforcement in the Coachella Valley, where lawmakers and advocates have criticized federal operations.