Illegal migrant ‘cannibal’ attacks 3-year-old — and Biden admin could have stopped it
Authorities say a violent incident at a San Antonio park on April 18 left a young child seriously injured and a 24-year-old man in custody, raising questions about earlier immigration and law enforcement decisions.
According to police and family accounts, 3-year-old Amelia Perez suffered severe facial injuries, including bite wounds, deep scratches, and the loss of two front teeth, after being attacked during a family outing at Espada Park. The child was there with her mother, Gabriella Perez, her father, Xavier Estrada, and her grandfather for what was meant to be a quiet afternoon of fishing.
Gabriella Perez said the attack happened shortly after she and her daughter exited a restroom around mid-afternoon. A man later identified as Atharva Vyas allegedly rushed toward them, grabbed her by the hair, and struck her. In an attempt to protect her daughter, Perez placed the child on the ground, but the suspect then turned his attention to the toddler.
Investigators say Vyas appeared to be under the influence of a highly concentrated cannabis product known as “wax.” The suspect allegedly forced the child to the ground and assaulted her, including biting her face. Witnesses nearby intervened, pulling him away as the child’s mother tried to stop the attack. Several bystanders helped restrain the suspect until police arrived.
Emergency responders transported the child and her family to Christus Children’s Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries. Her mother described her as being in shock in the immediate aftermath.
Vyas was taken into custody and booked into the Bexar County Detention Center. Court records show he faces charges including injury to a child with intent to cause bodily harm, assault causing bodily injury, and unlawful entry into the United States.
Federal officials said Vyas entered the country from India in August 2023 on a student visa. A few months later, he was arrested on a felony assault charge at the University of Texas. At that time, immigration authorities were notified, but the visa was not revoked. In April 2025, under President Donald Trump, his student visa was canceled following that earlier arrest.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has since issued a detainer request, asking local authorities to transfer custody of Vyas after his criminal case is resolved.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security criticized earlier decisions that allowed Vyas to remain in the country after his initial arrest, calling the attack preventable.
Meanwhile, the child’s family says she is now dealing with both physical and emotional trauma as they focus on her recovery. They have asked for public support as they navigate the aftermath of the incident.
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