ICE Arrests Convicted Domestic Abuser in Nashville

DHS Press Releases

Filed March 20th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of Luis Meza-Olivera, a convicted domestic abuser with multiple felony convictions, in Nashville, Tennessee. The arrest followed a tip from a school official who reported the abuser's daughter feared he would kill her mother upon his release from local custody.

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What changed

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Luis Meza-Olivera, a citizen of Peru, in Nashville, Tennessee. Meza-Olivera has a significant criminal history, including convictions for aggravated kidnapping, arson, aggravated assault, and driving under the influence, as well as charges for attempted first-degree murder and vandalism. ICE's involvement was prompted by a tip from a school official who relayed the abuser's daughter's fear that he would kill her mother upon his release from local custody.

This action highlights ICE's focus on apprehending individuals with violent criminal histories who pose a threat to public safety. Compliance officers should be aware that ICE actively monitors individuals with serious convictions, especially those with domestic violence backgrounds, and may take enforcement action upon their release from local detention. While this is an enforcement action against an individual, it underscores the importance of robust information sharing between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions regarding potential threats.

What to do next

Review internal policies for reporting suspicious activity to ICE
Ensure compliance with all immigration and criminal background check requirements for employees

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NASHVILLE NIGHTMARE: ICE Arrests Convicted Domestic Abuser Whose Daughter Feared He Would Kill Her Mother

NASHVILLE NIGHTMARE: ICE Arrests Convicted Domestic Abuser Whose Daughter Feared He Would Kill Her Mother

Release Date: March 20, 2026
ICE nabbed Luis Meza-Olivera following a school official tipping off ICE after his daughter expressed fear he would “kill” her mother when he was released from local custody in Tennessee

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the below statement on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) March 14 arrest of Luis Meza-Olivera, a criminal alien from Peru, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Meza-Olivera has an extensive criminal history with convictions across multiple states, including aggravated kidnapping, arson, and aggravated assault in Tennessee, and driving under the influence in California. He was also charged with attempted first-degree murder and vandalism in Tennessee and willful cruelty to a child in California.

ICE became aware of his release by a tip from a school official who warned officers that Meza-Olivera's daughter told school officials her father was being released and she feared that he would kill her mother.

Meza-Olivera

According to court documents, Meza-Olivera locked a woman in a bathroom and lit a fire outside of it while she was unable to open the door to escape in 2011. In 2015, Washington County Sheriff’s office rescued the woman after she was found locked in a bedroom, “hogtied,” and with a rope tied around her neck. According to court documents, her five-year-old son called 9-1-1 to report the incident.

“Luis Meza-Olivera is a monster whose daughter feared he would kill her mother. This criminal alien from Peru should NOT be loose on American streets,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Thanks to a school official who left a tip for ICE, this individual is now in ICE custody and will enter removal proceedings. Americans can report tips to our brave law enforcement to help keep their communities safe when sanctuary politicians won’t by contacting our *ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).”***

Meza-Olivera entered the U.S. in 2002 on a B-2 tourist visa. In 2010, he adjusted his status to that of a lawful permanent resident. His convictions make him eligible for removal from the U.S. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Anonymous tips may be reported on this form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423.