Illegal Immigrant Attempts to Sexually Assault a Woman One Day After Seeking Asylum in the U.S.

Illegal Immigrant Attempts to Sexually Assault a Woman One Day After Seeking Asylum in the U.S.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL—An illegal immigrant charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a Florida field had sought asylum only one day before the alleged incident, according to local law enforcement.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) responded to a report of an ongoing assault in Pierson, located north of Orlando, after the victim called 911 while pretending to order a pizza, with the suspect present. 

Deputies reportedly discovered Luis Diego Hernandez-Moncayo, 27, on top of the victim, who was heard pleading for help in a video released by the department.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated that Hernandez-Moncayo was in the U.S. illegally and faced three charges, along with a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“When you watch the video, if you’re a father, if you’re a grandfather, if you’re a brother and you hear those screams coming from our victim, it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up,” Chitwood said.

According to police, the woman was acquainted with the suspect, who became aggressive after using cocaine and attempted to rape her. Officers arrived shortly after this escalation.

The video captured the woman saying “I would like to order a pizza” on a phone call with a 911 dispatcher. The dispatcher figured out that the woman was in danger and quickly tracked her phone signal.

“She was able to tell us she was being held by one person, and he was not armed,” the county sheriff said.

When police arrived at the scene, bodycam footage showed the victim shouting that Hernandez-Moncayo was trying to rape her. The police tackled the perpetrator.

Sheriff Chitwood expressed pride in the victim’s ability to convey critical information and commended his team’s prompt response.

Records from the Volusia County jail, reviewed by Newsweek, indicate the suspect is being held on a $12,500 bond. He is being charged with attempted sexual battery, battery by strangulation and false imprisonment.

An immigration detainer issued by ICE allows the agency to assume custody of illegal immigrants once local law enforcement releases them, whether after serving a sentence or being bailed out. 

The Department of Homeland Security then initiates its own removal proceedings, typically holding the individual in custody during this process. In fiscal year 2024, from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, ICE removed 19,557 individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges.

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