A Nicaraguan national released into the United States under a previous administration’s immigration program faces criminal charges for allegedly sexually assaulting elderly women at a Wisconsin assisted living facility where he worked. Federal immigration authorities have requested local officials detain the suspect pending deportation proceedings.
The Charges and Federal Response
Julio Cesar Morales Jarquin now faces two counts of second-degree sexual assault of elderly victims in Dane County, Wisconsin. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials lodged a detainer against Morales Jarquin after his arrest. The suspect entered the country in 2023 through a humanitarian parole program that has since been discontinued. He remained in the United States despite the program’s termination in April of last year.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Lauren Bis criticized the handling of the case, emphasizing the severity of the allegations. She called on local officials to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement to remove the suspect from American communities. The crimes allegedly occurred while Morales Jarquin worked at the assisted living facility, raising questions about background checks and employee screening procedures at the institution.
Because Dane County is a sanctuary county, local officials could release him back into the community. DHS is urging
Sanctuary Policy Complications
Dane County operates under sanctuary jurisdiction policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Local officials require ICE agents to present signed judicial warrants before transferring custody of detained individuals. Federal immigration law does not mandate such warrants, creating a procedural standoff between county and federal authorities. This policy conflict has prevented ICE from taking immediate custody of Morales Jarquin despite the serious criminal charges.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Debate
The case highlights ongoing tensions between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement priorities. Federal authorities argue that such policies shield criminal suspects from deportation and endanger public safety. County officials maintain their procedures protect constitutional rights and prevent federal overreach. The current administration terminated the parole program that admitted Morales Jarquin, but thousands of participants from the previous program remain in the country. This case may intensify debate over background screening requirements for immigration programs and the responsibilities of sanctuary jurisdictions when serious crimes occur.