ICE Boston arrests Mexican alien charged with drug trafficking, prostitution crimes in Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. — Officers with ICE Boston’s Hartford field office arrested an illegal Mexican alien charged in Connecticut with illegal sale of alcohol – club, promoting prostitution, possession of controlled substance, operation of drug factory, possession with intent to distribute narcotic substance and permitting prostitution. ICE apprehended Mauricio Castiano-Rojas, 43, in Hartford Sept. 10.

“Mauricio Castiano-Rojas not only broke U.S. immigration law, he also stands accused of a myriad of serious crimes that threaten the safety of our Connecticut neighborhoods,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director David Wesling. “Castiano-Rojas represents a significant threat to the sanctity of our communities. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from New England.”

U.S. Border Patrol arrested Castiano-Rojas after he illegally entered the United States Sept. 15, 2007, and returned him to Mexico.

Castiano-Rojas illegally reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

The Hartford Police Department arrested Castiano-Rojas Aug. 13, 2025, and charged him with the offenses of illegal sale of alcohol – club/organization, promoting prostitution 2nd degree, possession of a controlled substance 1st offense, operation of drug factory, possession with intent to distribute a narcotic substance and permitting prostitution. These charges are currently pending.

On Aug. 17, 2025, ICE Boston lodged an immigration detainer against Castiano-Rojas with the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections; however, the Connecticut Department of Corrections refused to honor the ICE detainer and released Castiano-Rojas from custody without notifying ICE.

Officers with ICE Boston’s Hartford field office located and arrested Castiano-Rojas in Hartford Sept. 10. He will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBoston.