U.S. immigration authorities have taken an Indian citizen into custody in New Jersey on multiple serious allegations, including the sexual assault of a minor under 13 years of age. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified the man as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, who is also reportedly facing charges related to larceny and public disorder.

ICE sources have confirmed that Kottapalli, described as an undocumented immigrant, will remain detained as deportation proceedings are initiated under American immigration law. Authorities have not released specific details regarding the timing of the arrest, the exact location where charges were filed, or further particulars about the alleged offences. It is important to stress that at this stage all charges remain allegations and that any determination of guilt will be made through the U.S. judicial system.

Multiple Allegations Under Review

According to ICE, the charges against Kottapalli extend beyond the alleged sexual assault of a minor and include counts of larceny associated with shoplifting and public disorder. These additional charges are being considered alongside the alleged offences involving the minor, though officials have not clarified how the various cases are connected.

ICE has indicated that Kottapalli will remain in immigration custody pending further legal review. As is standard under U.S. law, non‑citizens with certain criminal charges may be held in immigration detention while court proceedings and immigration reviews continue. The agency has not disclosed when Kottapalli’s first court appearance occurred or is scheduled, citing procedural privacy and ongoing investigation.

Deportation Proceedings Initiated

In connection with the arrest, ICE announced that deportation procedures have been initiated against Kottapalli. Deportation under U.S. immigration law can proceed concurrently with criminal charges, particularly when a foreign national is alleged to have committed serious offences or is found to be residing in the country without legal status.

Once deportation proceedings formally begin, ICE typically evaluates an individual’s immigration history, criminal record, and applicable treaty or statutory protections. If the court ultimately orders removal, the individual may be deported to their country of origin after any criminal matters are resolved or if the criminal case’s progress allows for immigration enforcement.

Rise in Deportations of Indian Nationals

This detention comes amid a broader trend of increasing deportations of Indian nationals from the United States. In a recent report to the Indian Parliament, the government revealed that more than 3,800 Indian citizens were deported from the U.S. in 2025 following verification of nationality and cooperation between Indian and U.S. authorities. The available data does not break down how many of those deportations were linked to criminal charges versus routine immigration violations.

U.S. immigration officials have emphasized that individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes, especially those involving minors or violence, are prioritized for detention and removal where applicable. Under current laws, foreign nationals charged with serious offences can be held in immigration detention while both criminal and immigration courts address their cases.

Legal Process Continues

At present, Kottapalli remains in ICE custody as both criminal and immigration procedures move forward. Officials have not yet provided a timetable for upcoming court proceedings or further updates on his legal status. The situation highlights the intersection of criminal law and immigration enforcement in cases involving non‑citizen suspects and underscores ongoing policy approaches toward public safety and deportation priorities.

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