US immigration authorities have moved to deport a Kenyan national following his conviction for rape in Maryland. Jackson Kabut Gichema, 48, remains in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Baltimore County as officials finalize his removal process to Kenya.
Records shared by immigration officials on Tuesday, March 24, indicate that Gichema entered the United States from Kenya 23 years ago. Although he arrived on a legal visitor’s visa in 2003, he overstayed his authorized duration and remained in the country without valid documentation.
“ICE Baltimore arrested Jackson Kabut Gichema, a criminal illegal alien from Kenya, convicted of rape in Baltimore County,” ICE stated on X.
Maryland authorities confirmed that Gichema’s legal status had long expired prior to his criminal conviction. Because he already faces a final order of removal, he will stay in federal detention until his deportation is executed.
“Gichema entered the US on a visitor’s visa in 2003 but failed to depart after his stay. He has a final order of removal and will remain in ICE custody,” authorities added.
Court records indicate that Gichema challenged his conviction in 2011, taking his case to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. However, the appellate court upheld the original ruling. Before his transfer to immigration detention, he served his sentence within the Maryland Department of Corrections, with his most recent incarceration at the Hagerstown facility.
ICE characterized the arrest as a key component of its ongoing mission to deport non-citizens with serious criminal records. The agency noted a series of similar cases in Maryland recently, involving several individuals convicted of second-degree rape.
While local Maryland law enforcement handled the initial investigation and prosecution of the sexual assault, official statements from ICE did not disclose details regarding the victim or the circumstances of the offense. Gichema will remain in federal custody until his deportation to Kenya is finalized.
Gichema’s journey to the United States began over two decades ago when he arrived on a visitor’s visa. After his legal stay expired, he remained in the country without valid immigration status, transitioning into an undocumented resident.
While immigration authorities eventually issued a final removal order against him, the government did not immediately enforce his departure – a common occurrence in complex immigration cases. However, following his criminal conviction, ICE confirmed that Gichema now holds an active final order for removal and has been moved into immigration detention to await his flight back to Kenya.
Federal authorities stated that Gichema will remain in ICE custody until they finalize the logistical arrangements for his deportation.
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