Indian national detained in New Jersey on sexual assault, other charges

US immigration authorities in New Jersey have detained an Indian national identified as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli over multiple pending charges, including the alleged sexual assault of a child under 13, as well as shoplifting and public disorder offences.

According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Kottapalli is currently in custody and will remain detained pending removal proceedings under US immigration law. Officials described him as a criminal illegal alien with active charges in the state of New Jersey related to sexual assault and larceny.

ICE stated that he will continue to be held while immigration authorities pursue deportation proceedings.

The detention comes at a time when deportations of Indian nationals from the United States have seen a notable increase.  Reports indicate that 3,258 Indians were deported in 2025 alone, marking the highest number since 2009.

Further details regarding court proceedings in the criminal case have not yet been made public.