Illegal Immigrants Charged With Molesting Teen on Miami Cruise—One Had HIV, ICE Detainers Issued

Josese Prudencio Diaz, age 36 and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, age 37.

Two Mexican nationals living illegally in the U.S. were arrested and charged Friday for the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship near Miami.

Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, face felony counts of child molestation and lewd exhibition.

Diaz was additionally charged with failing to disclose his HIV status before engaging in sexual activity, while Leal faced an additional count of sexual battery on a minor.

Both men now have ICE detainers, meaning they will be deported if convicted.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, the victim reported being in the ship's sauna when the two men began masturbating in front of him, then forced him to engage in sexual acts. The teen immediately reported the assault, leading to the suspects' arrest.

The cruise line has not yet commented on the incident. Independence of the Seas, the ship involved, is a popular vessel for Caribbean voyages.

Both suspects were in the U.S. illegally, reigniting debates over border security. The case raises concerns about crime aboard cruise ships, where jurisdictional issues can complicate law enforcement.

We will ensure these predators face justice-and get them out of our country," by the law enforcement.