ICE removes fugitive criminal predator who attempted to exploit US immigration system

WASHINGTON — ICE removed Romulus Mihai, an illegally present, 33-year-old Belgian fugitive convicted of sexual exploitation of a child in his native country, and turned him over to Belgian authorities July 31.

Following his conviction, Mihai fled to the United States. to avoid serving his prison sentence for the child sex crime in Belgium. ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. arrested him in April 2025.

“The arrest of Romulus Mihai is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between HSI and USCIS. Together, we were able to identify, arrest and remove a child sex predator who had no legal right to remain in the U.S.” said HSI Washington, D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “Not only did Mihai victimize a child in his native country; he attempted to exploit the integrity of our immigration system to avoid accountability for his crime. HSI Washington, D.C. remains committed to safeguarding the lawful immigration process and holding accountable those who seek to exploit it. Furthermore, we will continue to prosecute, arrest and remove any criminal alien offender who endangers our communities.”

Mihai entered the U.S. under the visa waiver program in April 2013 and continued through the immigration process, attempting to gain U.S. citizenship. However, he never disclosed his criminal history to immigration officials.

During the adjudication review for his naturalization application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate referred Mihai’s cases to HSI Washington, D.C. for further investigation after discovering his criminal history.

Based on evidence obtained throughout the investigation, Mihai was arrested and placed into immigration proceedings. A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered him removed June 26.

ICE officials removed Mihai from the U.S. to Belgium July 31 and turned him over to Belgian authorities.

If you have information about criminal activity in your community, call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE or complete the online tip form.

Learn more about HSI Washington, D.C.’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X at @HSI_DC.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)