The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is processing the deportation of Ruben Marier, a South Sudanese man identified as a child sex predator. Marier was arrested recently and is set to be removed from the country following numerous convictions.
Since legally entering the US in 1999, Marier has accumulated a lengthy criminal record. His offenses include domestic assault, attempted child sexual assault, child negligence, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving under the influence (DUI).
According to the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry, Marier was convicted on July 7, 2017, for attempted sexual assault of a child in Grand Island, Nebraska. The registry publicly notifies communities about registered sex offenders to protect the public from potential harm.
Additional records from the California Highway Patrol indicate Marier was arrested for DUI in El Cajon, San Diego County, in 2008.
Calls for Accountability in South Sudan
Edmund Yakani, a South Sudanese civil society leader and director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), welcomed the deportation but urged the South Sudanese government to take decisive action against Marier upon his return.
"The government of South Sudan should not compromise on this criminal act, which deserves punishment," Yakani said. He highlighted concerns that many South Sudanese deportees accused of crimes abroad are often released without facing justice at home.
Context of Deportations
Marier's deportation follows the 2025 removal of eight unauthorized South Sudanese immigrants from the US, including Dian Peter Domach, who had convictions for robbery, firearm possession, and DUI. These removals came after extensive legal and diplomatic efforts.
Currently, 25 South Sudanese nationals remain on the Department of Homeland Security’s "Worst of the Worst" list and are undergoing removal proceedings.
