An illegal immigrant from El Salvador has been sentenced to 30 years for repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl in Virginia Beach, local officials said Wednesday. 

The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office shared Ricardo Leonel Mejia’s custody status on X and cited “numerous public inquiries” about Mejia’s case.

“Mejia, a citizen of El Salvador, will serve his 30-year sentence at the Virginia Department of Corrections before being transferred to ICE custody,” the post read.

The case has sparked debate among Virginia’s leaders who are disputing whether the state should limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. 

The Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office said Mejia, a citizen of El Salvador, will serve his 30-year sentence at the Virginia Department of Corrections before being transferred to ICE custody. (Google Maps)

Mejia fled the home through a window, but was later identified and arrested.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Mejia was in the country illegally and has issued a detainer. 

Following his sentence at the Virginia Department of Corrections, ICE said he will be transferred to custody for further proceedings.

During his sentencing, Mejia apologized to the victim, saying, “I know I am not the only one experiencing hard times. I’m sorry for the pain she is going through in this process.”

Records show Mejia was booked into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center on Oct. 9, 2024.

Fox News Digital reached out to Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office for further comment.