U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a Peruvian-born lawful permanent resident in Nashville after a school official reported that his daughter feared he would kill her mother when local authorities released him from custody.
ICE arrested Luis Meza-Olivera on March 14, according to a March 20 statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
Authorities said Meza-Olivera has convictions in multiple states, including aggravated kidnapping, arson, and aggravated assault in Tennessee, and driving under the influence in California. Prosecutors also charged him with attempted first-degree murder and vandalism in Tennessee and willful cruelty to a child in California.
ICE learned about his release after a school official contacted the agency. DHS said Meza-Olivera’s daughter told school staff she feared he would kill her mother.
Court records describe multiple violent incidents.
In 2011, Meza-Olivera locked a woman in a bathroom and lit a fire outside the door while she could not escape.
In 2015, deputies in Washington County rescued a woman they found locked in a bedroom, hogtied, and with a rope tied around her neck. A 5-year-old boy called 911 to report the incident, according to court documents.
“Luis Meza-Olivera is a monster whose daughter feared he would kill her mother. This criminal alien from Peru should NOT be loose on American streets,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.
“Thanks to a school official who left a tip for ICE, this individual is now in ICE custody and will enter removal proceedings. Americans can report tips to our brave law enforcement to help keep their communities safe when sanctuary politicians won’t by contacting our ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).”
Meza-Olivera entered the United States in 2002 on a B-2 tourist visa and became a lawful permanent resident in 2010.
Federal immigration law allows the removal of lawful permanent residents convicted of certain serious crimes. DHS said his convictions make him eligible for removal.
He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
