United States immigration authorities have taken into custody Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, an Indian national staying in the US without legal status, after he was accused of serious crimes in New Jersey, including the alleged sexual assault of a child under 13.
The raid was carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which confirmed in a public announcement on the social platform X that Kottapalli is also facing charges of larceny related to shoplifting and public disorder.
Under American law, suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. At this stage, the allegations are still pending in the legal system.
Who is Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli?
Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli is an Indian national who was reportedly living in the United States at the time of his arrest. According to ICE, he did not have lawful immigration status when authorities detained him in New Jersey.
—SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD UNDER 13
—SHOPLIFTING
—PUBLIC DISORDERVodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey.
We’ll keep him in custody pending removal proceedings. pic.twitter.com/VM97e9KUD9
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) February 16, 2026
Officials have not released detailed background information about his age, profession, or how long he has been residing in the country. Law enforcement agencies also have not publicly shared specific details about the alleged incidents, including the exact dates or locations tied to the charges.
ICE identified him publicly after taking him into custody, citing both immigration violations and the pending criminal accusations filed in New Jersey state court.
Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli: What Charges Does He Face?
According to ICE, the legal accusations against Kottapalli include:
- Sexual assault of a child under 13
- Shoplifting (larceny)
- Public disorder offenses
In its statement, the federal agency described him as, “Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey. We’ll keep him in custody pending removal proceedings.” ICE also released a photo of Kottapalli with the words “child rapist” displayed, drawing attention to the severity of the allegations.
Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli: ICE Detention & Deportation Process
Kottapalli remains in ICE custody while removal proceedings, the US immigration legal process deciding whether someone should be deported, move forward. This means he is not being released while his case progresses.
Removal proceedings are separate from the criminal justice system. In these proceedings, an immigration judge will determine if Kottapalli should be sent back to India. He can appeal any decision through the Board of Immigration Appeals if needed.
Even if criminal courts eventually dismiss or reduce charges, the immigration case may continue independently. This dual process is common when non‑citizens face serious charges in the US.
Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli: Why is ICE Prioritising This Case?
ICE’s role is to enforce immigration laws and detain individuals who are unlawfully present and accused of criminal activities. In Kottapalli’s case, the inclusion of allegations involving a minor and other offenses triggered his transfer to federal custody under current enforcement policies.
These actions come as part of a broader immigration crackdown following the 2025 US policy shift, which prioritises the removal of non‑citizens with or without criminal records. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have publicly emphasised stronger measures against undocumented individuals suspected of offences.
Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli: Legal Status & Next Steps
It is important to note that formal convictions have not yet been announced in any of the charges against Kottapalli. The case is expected to proceed through New Jersey’s criminal courts for the assault, larceny and disorder offences, while separately moving through immigration court for deportation.
Lawyers for Kottapalli, if appointed, could argue in both settings: defending him against criminal allegations, and possibly seeking relief from removal in immigration court. However, if ICE succeeds in removal proceedings, deportation could be ordered regardless of the criminal case outcome.
Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli: Broader Implications of the Arrest
Immigration experts say this arrest highlights how the US system intersects criminal law and immigration enforcement, especially in cases involving alleged harm to children. Critics of the current crackdown argue such cases can sometimes blur important distinctions between immigration status and criminal conduct, while supporters say targeting serious allegations protects public safety.
As authorities continue both the criminal and immigration court processes, updates will depend on filings by prosecutors, lawyers, and judges in New Jersey and federal immigration courts.
