ICE Columbus arrests Ghanaian national convicted of sex crimes with a minor

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Joseph Osei Boateng, a Ghanaian national convicted of sex crimes involving a minor, in Columbus, Ohio.

Boateng, who legally entered the U.S. in 2019, was convicted in October 2024 on two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team apprehended him on January 29, 2025, as part of efforts to remove individuals posing a threat to public safety.

ICE officials emphasized their commitment to targeting offenders who victimize vulnerable populations.

Boateng remains in custody pending immigration proceedings, while ICE continues to encourage the public to report immigration-related offenses.