U.S. Marshals Recover Missing Arizona Girl, Two Men Taken into ICE Custody
An Arizona girl– missing for four months– is in the custody of protective services after a dramatic rescue by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and other law enforcement agencies.
USMS received a tip that the girl was inside a house in Phoenix. That’s when deputies used surveillance tactics to identify the girl inside the home occupied by several men. When the girl walked outside one day, deputies executed the rescue, heading inside, where they encountered resistance from one of the suspects– Miguel Mendez-Vargas.
Officials say Mendez-Vargas took a swing at deputies and refused to get down on the ground. He was eventually tasered and taken into custody, even spitting on officers after he was subdued.
“This recovery is another reminder that anonymous tips, strong partnerships, and determined investigators save lives,” said U.S. Marshal Van Bayless for the District of Arizona. “Our deputies exercised patience, sound judgment, and restraint to safely recover this endangered child despite rapidly evolving circumstances.”
Mendez-Vargas and another man–Jose Mendez-Bello– are Mexican nationals in the country unlawfully. Both men were turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are being held on alleged immigration violations.
Mendez-Vargas faces two additional charges related to assaulting the federal officers.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is also investigating whether any sex crimes occurred involving the young girl and more charges could be coming.
Operation Desert Dawn
The rescue in Phoenix comes two months after USMS carried out Operation Desert Dawn in metro Phoenix, in cooperation with local law enforcement.
In the three-week operation, 31 missing children were located, with 20 safely found and locations confirmed for 11 others.
“This was another successful operation,” said Marshal Bayless. “I can’t think of a better thing than going out and finding these endangered kids.”
