ERO Removes Gomez-Juarez From the United States
On April 27, 2022, ERO removed Gomez-Juarez from the United States to Mexico.
Gomez-Juarez Transferred Into ICE Custody
On April 13, 2022, after serving his state and federal prison sentences, Gomez-Juarez was transferred into ICE custody.
Court Convicts Gomez-Juarez of Naturalization Fraud
On March 25, 2021, the court convicted Gomez-Juarez of naturalization fraud and sentenced him to six months of imprisonment following the completion of his state sentence.
The court revoked his citizenship and ordered his removal from the United States.
Gomez-Juarez Confesses to Intentionally Concealing Rape
At his arraignment on Jan. 16, 2020, Gomez-Juarez confessed to intentionally concealing his rape of the child from USCIS to obtain citizenship.
ICE Arrests Gomez-Juarez
On Aug. 20, 2020, while serving his state prison sentence, ICE arrested Gomez-Juarez and presented him for an initial court appearance.
Federal Grand Jury Issues 11-Count Indictment
On July 22, 2020, a federal grand jury issued an 11-count indictment charging Gomez-Juarez with naturalization fraud and other felony offenses.
ERO Refers Gomez-Juarez’s Case to U.S. Attorney’s Office
On June 1, 2020, ERO referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and it was immediately accepted for prosecution.
Gomez-Juarez is One of Many Targets
In May 2020, Gomez-Juarez was one of many targets the task force identified following a comprehensive analysis of thousands of state sex offender records.
Operation False Haven Launches
In November 2019, the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force in Raleigh, North Carolina, launched Operation False Haven.
Gomez-Juarez Confesses
On March 1, 2016, Gomez-Juarez voluntarily confessed to having knowingly raped a mentally disabled child by force.
He was found guilty of second-degree forcible rape and sentenced to over eight years in prison.
According to his confession, he committed the crime on Jan. 1, 2007, more than three years prior to applying for naturalization.
The victim was his 8-year-old step-daughter.
Sheriff's Deputies Arrest Gomez-Juarez
On Oct. 17, 2011, sheriff's deputies arrested and charged Gomez-Juarez with committing numerous sex crimes against a child.
Gomez-Juarez Participates in Naturalization Ceremony
On Sept. 17, 2010, Gomez-Juarez participated in the naturalization ceremony, took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Gomez-Juarez Appears In-Person for Naturalization Interview at USCIS Office
On Sept. 1, 2010, Gomez-Juarez appeared in person at a USCIS office for a naturalization interview.
A USCIS officer placed him under oath, and he swore under penalty of perjury that he had never committed a crime or offense for which he had not been arrested.
Based on his sworn testimony, USCIS approved his application and scheduled his naturalization ceremony.
Gomez-Juarez Appears for Biometrics Appointment at USCIS Office
Prior to making naturalization decisions, USCIS thoroughly vets all applicants through background and security checks, including checks of the FBI’s criminal history records.
On July 12, 2010, Gomez-Juarez appeared at a USCIS office for a biometrics appointment, where he was fingerprinted and photographed.
His fingerprints were submitted to the FBI and did not match any records in the national criminal index.
J. Refugio Gomez-Juarez Applies for Naturalization
On May 5, 2010, J. Refugio Gomez-Juarez submitted an application for naturalization to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
On his application, he responded "No" to the question, "Have you ever committed a crime or offense for which you were not arrested?"