ICE was blocked from deporting a Mexican immigrant just months before he allegedly raped a three-year-old girl in McDonald's, reports claim.

Christopher Puente, 34, who allegedly raped a toddler in a bathroom stall nearly two weeks ago, was placed into police custody last year after he was arrested for theft.

Christopher Puentes is accused of sexually assaulted a three-year-old girl in a bathroom stall Credit: Chicago Police

CCTV footage was shared after the horrific alleged rape Credit: Chicago Police

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified the potentially deportable individual and requested Chicago police to hold him following his June 2019 arrest.

However, Puente was let out into the public because of Chicago's forgiving "sanctuary city" policy.

ICE published a news release on Thursday, stating: "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continually lodges detainers with Chicago-area law enforcement agencies only to have those detainers declined and the subjects released into the community where they can reoffend.

"That’s what happened with the case of Christopher Puente, 34, a citizen of Mexico who is a previously deported aggravated felon illegally present in the United States."

Puente has a long criminal history, which includes two felony convictions for forced-entry burglary and forgery.

According to ICE, he was deported to Mexico in December 2014 as he was a convicted aggravated felon.

Five days after being deported, he attempted to make his way back into the US by falsely claiming citizenship.

In 2017, an immigration judge ordered Puente to be removed when he failed to show up to a hearing.

A toddler was sexually assaulted in a Chicago McDonald's Credit: MdDonalds

Robert Guadian, a field office director of Chicago enforcement and removal operations, said: “How many more victims must there be before lawmakers realize that sanctuary policies do not protect the innocent?

“Puente should have been in ICE custody last year and removed to his home country.

"Instead, irresponsible lawmaking allowed him to walk free and prey on our most vulnerable.”

After ICE spoke out, the Chicago Police Department defended their decision to release Puente.

On Friday, police said: "The Chicago Police Department remains committed to protecting all Chicago residents regardless of their immigration status.

"Our pledge to restrict ICE access to our information systems and our refusal to cooperate with ICE immigration enforcement measures has not changed."

According to ABC News, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said: "If ICE is complaining, then they should do their job better."

She added: "They're critical because we have said very clearly we are a welcoming city, a sanctuary city.

"Chicago Police Department will not cooperate with ICE on any immigration-related business."

Puentes is alleged to have confessed to detectives that he put a girl, 3, on his lap in a Chicago McDonald's bathroom stall, sexually assaulted her, and covered her mouth when she began saying "daddy, daddy."

CBS Chicago reported that when the toddler's dad heard her cries, the he tried to open the stall - but it was locked.

In desperation, he ended up grabbing hold of the toddler's legs from under the door, and hauling her to safety.

A manhunt was launched when Puente fled the restaurant.

Puente is facing charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim younger than 13 years old and criminal trespass.

Prosecutors told the court that "the defendant [told cops] he was f***ed up and thinking dirty.

"He was dirty, and didn't want the police looking for him, or catching him.

"He said he was paranoid, and looking around as he left the bathroom because he knew what he did was wrong."

Court records show he has being convicted numerous times between 2006 and 2016, mainly for theft.

After being held on custody at the hearing - without bail - Puente is due to return to court on March 10.

Christopher Puente charged with sexual assault on three-year-old girl inside toilet in Chicago McDonald's

Do you have a story for The US Sun team?

Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552.