New Jersey: An Indian national, detained by US immigration authorities in New Jersey, is facing multiple charges, including that of alleged sexual assault of a child under 13. In a statement posted on social media, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified the man as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli and described him as an undocumented immigrant.
He faces pending charges of sexual assault, larceny linked to shoplifting and public disorder, the agency said, as reported by News18.
He will remain in custody pending removal proceedings under US immigration law, ICE said.
The date of his arrest, the county where the case has been filed or additional details about the alleged offences were not disclosed by authorities. Criminal charges at this stage are allegations and the case will be determined through the judicial process. the agency said.
There has been a significant rise in the deportation of Indian nationals from the United States. The Indian government told Parliament that more than 3,800 Indians were deported from the US in 2025 following verification of nationality and coordination between the two countries.
Officials have not released a detailed breakdown distinguishing deportations linked to criminal charges from those based solely on immigration violations.
Non-citizens accused or convicted of serious crimes, particularly those involving minors, are prioritised for detention and removal, US authorities have said. Under US law, such individuals can be held in immigration custody while their criminal cases proceed through the courts.
