Mexican National Illegally Present in North Dakota Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse Material Following Federal Search
Authorities in North Dakota have arrested a Mexican national for the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) following the execution of a federal search warrant in Stanley earlier this month. The suspect, identified as Hugo Lopez-Diaz, was taken into custody after a multi-agency operation involving federal and state law enforcement.
Deep Search
The investigation culminated on February 6, when agents executed a federal search warrant at a residence in Stanley, North Dakota. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the operation was conducted by Border Patrol agents from the Grand Forks Sector, working alongside the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. During the search, authorities seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic examination of Lopez-Diaz’s phone reportedly revealed the presence of child sexual abuse material. Following the discovery, Lopez-Diaz was arrested on state charges related to the possession of CSAM and is currently awaiting prosecution.
Background Info
The Grand Forks Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol covers a vast area including North Dakota and parts of Minnesota. While their primary mission involves border security, agents frequently assist in interior enforcement operations, particularly those involving cross-border crime or undocumented individuals involved in criminal activity. In this case, CBP confirmed that Lopez-Diaz is a citizen of Mexico who was present in the United States illegally. The collaboration between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and local bureaus like the North Dakota BCI is standard procedure in cases involving the exploitation of minors, as these investigations often require specialized digital forensics and cross-jurisdictional authority.
Objections
It is important to note that an arrest and the filing of charges are legally considered accusations, not evidence of guilt. Hugo Lopez-Diaz remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. While federal agents participated in the raid and the search warrant was federal, the current charges against the suspect are at the state level. The exact nature of his defense or legal representation has not yet been made public, and he is entitled to due process as the case moves to the North Dakota state court system.
cbp.gov
cbp.gov
