Honduran National Arrested for Child Trafficking in Providence

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Raising awareness about child trafficking and the role of law enforcement.

News Summary

Vivian Giselle Soriano-Neto, a Honduran national, has been arrested by ICE on charges related to child trafficking and solicitation. This operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and highlights ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation. Soriano-Neto, who has a prior arrest for similar charges, remains in custody as investigations continue. Community members are urged to stay vigilant regarding child safety.

Providence, Rhode Island — A Honduran national, Vivian Giselle Soriano-Neto, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 11, 2025, on charges of child trafficking and indecent solicitation of a child. This significant operation was carried out in coordination with the ICE Boston Field Office and other agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Soriano-Neto is currently facing serious allegations related to the trafficking of a child for harmful purposes. Her criminal history includes a prior arrest by Providence police on February 20, 2025, on similar charges of indecent solicitation of a child and trafficking of a minor. These developments highlight a troubling pattern of behavior as authorities work to address child exploitation issues.

Patricia H. Hyde, the acting field office director for ICE Boston, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Soriano-Neto allegedly trafficked a child with the intent to exploit them, which has raised significant concerns about child safety in the community.

Background on Soriano-Neto

Soriano-Neto entered the United States illegally on October 25, 2017, through the Calexico, California, Port of Entry. She was initially apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and subsequently transferred to ICE custody. Following her detention, she was issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge on November 9, 2017.

After her initial detention, Soriano-Neto was released on parole on November 17, 2017, which permitted her to reside in the U.S. while awaiting her immigration proceedings. However, her involvement in criminal activities has now leads to her being in ICE custody once more, pending removal proceedings along with her pending criminal charges.

Coordinated Law Enforcement Efforts

The arrest is a result of extensive cooperation between various law enforcement agencies. ICE, in collaboration with the DEA and ATF, has heightened efforts to combat child trafficking and exploitation. The agencies are working diligently to ensure that individuals who exploit children face the full weight of the law.

This arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing the complex issues surrounding human trafficking and child exploitation. By conducting thorough investigations and partnerships among agencies, there is hope that such crimes can be reduced, and offenders held accountable.

Community Impacts

The details surrounding Soriano-Neto’s case have sparked conversations within the community regarding the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children. As authorities grapple with these cases, community members are being encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may indicate child exploitation.

The overall goal of these law enforcement initiatives is to create a safer environment for children and to dismantle trafficking networks that threaten their well-being. As investigations continue into Soriano-Neto’s activities, officials are committed to apprehending anyone involved in similar exploitation and ensuring justice is served.

As the case unfolds, ICE remains focused on maintaining the integrity of their immigration enforcement duties while addressing the critical issue of child safety. The situation reflects broader concerns about human trafficking and the responsibilities of both law enforcement and community members to mitigate these risks.