U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken Ghanaian national Joseph Osei Boateng into custody following his conviction for sex crimes involving a minor.
Boateng, who legally entered the U.S. in 2019, was arrested by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team in Columbus, Ohio, on January 29, 2025.
His arrest comes months after the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas found him guilty in October 2024 of two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
As a result of his conviction, Boateng now faces possible deportation as immigration authorities review his case.
ICE Pledges Continued Crackdown on Criminal Offenders
Robert Lynch, Director of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Detroit, emphasized the agency’s commitment to removing individuals who pose a threat to communities.
“Sex crimes against a minor threaten the very fabric of our communities,” Lynch stated.
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“Our ICE team will continue to identify and apprehend individuals amenable to removal who have victimized our most vulnerable population.”
Boateng remains in ICE custody as immigration proceedings continue.
His case highlights the broader efforts by ICE to deport non-citizens convicted of serious crimes in the U.S.
Public Encouraged to Report Immigration Violations
ICE has called on the public to assist in its efforts by reporting immigration violations or suspicious activity through its Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by submitting an online tip form.
