U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a federal detainer in late November against a registered sex offender accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student at Orangewood Elementary School, prompting renewed calls from state lawmakers for mandatory cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration authorities. In a press release to be issued today, December 23, 2025, State Rep. John Gillette (R-30) said ICE identified Abel Kai Gblah, a Liberian national and registered sex offender, in connection with the alleged assault and issued a detainer to prevent his release from custody.

“The American people deserve the truth, and decisive action when it comes to protecting children,” Gillette said. “This case involves a known, registered sex offender who should never have had the opportunity to victimize a child in our community.”

According to Phoenix Police, the incident occurred on November 19, 2025, shortly after noon at Orangewood Elementary School in central Phoenix.

Police allege Gblah gained access to the campus by following a student through a secured door. Investigators say he approached a 10-year-old girl, falsely claimed to be a doctor who needed to perform tests, and sexually assaulted her in an empty classroom. The child was able to push him away, and the suspect fled the campus.

The school was placed on lockdown for more than an hour while officers searched the area. Phoenix police later located and arrested Gblah at a nearby residence the same day.

Phoenix Police media advisory (November 19, 2025)

Court records indicate Gblah was a registered sex offender stemming from a 2021 conviction for sexual conduct with a minor and was on probation at the time of the alleged Orangewood assault.

Prosecutors charged him with multiple felonies, including sexual assault, kidnapping, and probation violations. A judge set bond at $500,000 cash only.

ICE formally lodged a detainer on November 26, 2025, with the Maricopa County Jail. A detainer requests notification prior to release so federal authorities can assume custody for immigration proceedings.

In a federal release distributed through DHS channels, officials confirmed the detainer. They identified Gblah as a criminal alien and registered sex offender, stating he “should have been a removal priority” following his earlier child-sex offense conviction.

The release also referenced the Department of Homeland Security Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office, which assists victims of crimes committed by non-citizens.

Gillette said the case illustrates what he described as systemic failures that allowed a repeat offender access to a school campus, emphasizing that the issue transcends politics.

“This is not about politics; it is about protecting children,” Gillette said. “When dangerous criminal aliens remain at large, the consequences are real and devastating.”

He praised ICE officers for issuing the detainer and criticized any resistance from local jurisdictions.

“ICE officers are doing the hard work under political fire to locate offenders, execute detainers, and safeguard our neighborhoods. They deserve support, not obstruction.”

Gillette called on local and county officials to fully comply with ICE and DHS detainers, particularly in cases involving violent crimes or sexual offenses against minors.

“When ICE identifies a criminal alien and registered sex offender connected to the assault of a child, there is no room for excuses,” he said. “This is why federal enforcement exists—and why local cooperation is non-negotiable.”

“The people expect dangerous offenders to be detained and removed. Anything less is a failure to protect our children.”

A scheduled court hearing in early December was postponed after Gblah reportedly refused transport from jail. As of mid-December, he had not entered a plea.

Local officials named in Gillette’s statement have not issued public responses as of publication.