US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that Kottapalli is currently in immigration custody pending removal proceedings. In a public statement, the agency described him as unlawfully present in the United States at the time of his detention. ICE further stated that he will remain detained during the deportation process. Authorities emphasised that the criminal charges against Kottapalli remain pending. As of now, no conviction has been publicly reported. Under US law, individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. According to ICE, the pending charges include sexual assault of a minor under 13, larceny — including shoplifting allegations — and public disorder offences. However, law enforcement officials have not released detailed information regarding the alleged incidents, including the date, location, or specific circumstances surrounding the accusations. In New Jersey, sexual assault involving a child under 13 is classified among the most serious criminal offences and can carry substantial prison sentences if a conviction is secured. Larceny and shoplifting charges vary depending on the value of property involved and prior record, while public disorder offences typically concern disturbances affecting public peace. However, it remains unclear whether a formal indictment has been filed or whether trial proceedings have commenced in state court. Separate from the criminal case, immigration removal proceedings have been initiated against Kottapalli. Removal proceedings are administrative legal processes conducted before immigration judges under the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which operates within the US Department of Justice. In cases involving serious criminal allegations, immigration authorities frequently maintain detention during proceedings. If an immigration judge orders removal, the decision may be appealed before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Officials have not disclosed a timeline for upcoming hearings. The detention comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has prioritised removal of non-citizens facing criminal allegations. The Department of Homeland Security has reported increased detention and deportation efforts since 2025, particularly targeting individuals with pending or prior criminal charges. As of the latest update, Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli remains in ICE custody, criminal charges in New Jersey are unresolved, and removal proceedings are ongoing. Further developments will depend on court actions in both the state criminal justice system and federal immigration courts. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World. Yuvraj Tyagi is a Senior Copy Editor, specializing in security, national, international and defense affairs. With extensive experience covering the Ka... View More