Honduran Illegal Arrested After Assaulting 13-Year-Old Girl

A Honduran illegal immigrant has been arrested in Palm Beach County, Florida, for allegedly s*xually assaulting a teenager and committing armed robbery, sparking debates on immigration policy.

Our children aren’t safe while the border remains open.

At a Glance

  • Santo Martinez Varela, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, was arrested for allegedly s*xually assaulting a 13-year-old girl and armed robbery.
  • DNA evidence led to Varela’s arrest on January 11; he is being held without bail.
  • Two other robbery victims have been identified, and authorities are seeking potential additional victims.
  • Varela reportedly crossed the border illegally in 2023 and traveled to West Palm Beach.
  • The case has ignited debates on immigration policy and enforcement.

Arrest and Charges

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) has apprehended Santo Martinez Varela, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, on charges of s*xual assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Varela’s arrest on January 11 came after DNA evidence confirmed his identity, linking him to the alleged s*xual assault of a 13-year-old girl and multiple robberies in the area.

According to PBSO media relations spokesperson Therese Barbera, “two victims of robbery have been located,” indicating that the investigation has expanded beyond the initial s*xual assault case. Varela is currently being held without bail at the Palm Beach County Jail, facing serious charges that have shocked the local community.

The investigation revealed that Varela illegally crossed the U.S. border in 2023 and made his way to West Palm Beach, where he allegedly committed the assault in early January. Barbera confirmed that Varela has “a detainer from ICE,” referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This detainer requests law enforcement to notify ICE before releasing a noncitizen, highlighting the intersection of criminal justice and immigration enforcement in this case.

“President-elect Trump was elected with a mandate to stop illegal immigration and deport illegal aliens already in our country,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

As the investigation continues, the PBSO is urging the public to come forward with any information about Varela or potential additional victims. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring a thorough investigation and preventing further incidents.

It’s long past time our politicians banded together to support the strengthening of the U.S.-Mexico border.