PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A joint operation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led to the arrest of Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto, an illegally present Honduran national charged with serious crimes involving a child.
Soriano was arrested on March 11 in Providence, Rhode Island, and is currently facing charges for two counts of indecent solicitation of a child and trafficking of a minor.
Background and Arrest Details
Soriano first entered the United States illegally on October 25, 2017, at the Calexico Port of Entry in California. She was apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and handed over to ICE shortly after.
On November 9, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued her a notice to appear before an immigration judge. She was then released on parole by ICE on November 17, 2017.
Years later, on February 20, 2025, the Providence Police Department arrested Soriano for indecent solicitation of a child and child trafficking — serious charges that indicate criminal activity involving minors.
Following that arrest, ICE, working with DEA New England and ATF Boston, took Soriano back into custody as she is unlawfully present in the U.S. and now considered a threat to public safety.
ICE’s Public Statement
Patricia H. Hyde, acting Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston, stated:
“Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto apparently trafficked a child for nefarious reasons. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society and anyone who would do them harm represents a significant threat to our community. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from New England.”
This case highlights the role of federal immigration authorities in identifying and removing individuals who not only entered the U.S. illegally but also pose a direct threat to children and community safety.
Current Status
Soriano is now in ICE custody and is undergoing removal proceedings. This means she will appear before an immigration judge to determine whether she will be deported from the United States.
The arrest is a part of ICE’s ongoing effort to remove dangerous criminal non-citizens, especially those involved in child exploitation, human trafficking, and other violent crimes.
How to Report Crimes
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity, especially related to immigration violations or criminal behavior, through the following options:
Call: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
The arrest of Vivian Gisselle Soriano-Neto serves as a reminder of the serious public safety risks tied to unchecked illegal immigration and the importance of federal-local partnerships in law enforcement. ICE, DEA, and ATF working together in this case not only ensured the removal of a potentially dangerous individual but also showed their dedication to protecting children and keeping communities safe.
