An unauthorized immigrant from El Salvador has received a 30-year sentence for the repeated rape of an 11-year-old girl in Virginia Beach, as announced by local authorities on 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,” stated the announcement.

The case has ignited a debate among Virginia’s leaders regarding whether the state should restrict its cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

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 the sentencing, Mejia expressed remorse to the victim, stating, “I know I am not the only one going through tough times. I’m sorry for the pain she is enduring during 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.