Joel Martin Mendez, a 33-year-old citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty on April 10 to illegally re-entering the United States and failing to register as a sex offender, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
The case highlights concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement. Authorities say that Martin Mendez’s actions demonstrate risks associated with illegal entry into the country.
Court records show that prior to 2023, Martin Mendez unlawfully entered the U.S. While in the country illegally, he communicated via texts and phone calls with an individual he believed was a 15-year-old girl; in reality, it was an undercover agent. The communication began after Martin Mendez responded to a classified ad on “Skip the Games,” a website often used for escort services and monitored by law enforcement for potential sex trafficking activity. He discussed prices for various sexual acts and arranged a meeting at a hotel in Monroe County, Michigan before being arrested by law enforcement officers.
Martin Mendez later pleaded guilty in state court to two felonies: children-accosting for immoral purposes and attempted computer-internet communication with intent to commit a crime. He received a sentence of 17 days’ incarceration followed by five years’ probation and was ordered to register as a sex offender. However, he failed to comply with registration requirements before being removed from the United States back to Guatemala. According to authorities, Detroit Sector Border Patrol agents discovered his illegal return earlier this year and arrested him in February.
“Joel Martin Mendez is another reminder of how illegal immigration endangers Americans. This illegal alien broke into our country and tried to sexually abuse one of our children,” said Gorgon.
“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our Detroit Sector agents and our law enforcement partners in apprehending this convicted child predator, who had previously been removed from the United States and illegally returned,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo Jr., U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector. “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. Through their vigilance and teamwork, this dangerous offender has been taken off our streets, making our neighborhoods safer for the families we are sworn to protect.”
The investigation was conducted by special agents from U.S. Border Patrol with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Fairchild.
Officials said this case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on addressing illegal immigration issues as well as combatting cartels, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and violent crime.
