TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Immigration Agency (NIA, 移民署) detained a U.S. citizen with a history of sexual offenses on Thursday (Nov. 7) evening in Taipei, and announced plans to deport him under immigration laws to protect public safety and national interests.
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT, 美國在台協會) recently alerted local officials about Levi Forrest Wallace, who entered Taiwan in October. Wallace was convicted in the U.S. in 2001 for lewd acts with a minor, serving a 90-day sentence with two years of probation.
Although not wanted by foreign authorities, his presence raised significant concern in Taiwan. The NIA formed a task force to locate Wallace after he failed to reside at his stated address, causing widespread attention. The task force confirmed his intentions in Taiwan and investigated any potential illegal activities during his stay.
The agency plans to enforce entry restrictions against Wallace to uphold Taiwan's safety and interests, based on Article 18, Paragraph 1 of the "Immigration Act" (入出國及移民法) to ensure the country's interests and the safety of people.