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A transgender woman sought by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is facing allegations of stalking and raping a 14-year-old boy in New York City. Nicol Suarez, a 30-year-old trans migrant from Colombia, was arrested on Wednesday after reportedly following the teenager into a bodega bathroom near Thomas Jefferson Park and assaulting him, according to a New York Post report.
The victim managed to exit the bathroom and alert witnesses, leading to Suarez’s arrest the following day. At the time of the incident, Suarez was already wanted in New Jersey and Massachusetts, and ICE had issued a detainer for her. A detainer is a request for local law enforcement to hold an individual for potential transfer to federal authorities, which could result in deportation if local agencies comply.
A source told the New York Post, “It just goes to show that Donald Trump and [border czar] Tom Homan are correct that you need to get the violent people out of New York City, and Eric Adams, Letitia James, and Kathy Hochul should all cooperate because this person has an ICE detainer.” The source added, “ICE could just pick this person up and deport them back,” but noted that New York City’s sanctuary laws restrict local police from assisting federal immigration enforcement.
Prosecutors requested $500,000 bail and a $1.5 million bond for Suarez, but Judge Elizabeth Shamahs reduced it to $100,000 bail or a $250,000 bond. The source criticized the decision, arguing that it reflects a lack of concern for the victims of crimes committed by migrants. “I feel really bad for the kid that has to go through this because his life will never be the same,” the source said. “We worry about the migrants, but what about the victim? This is a true victim.”
Suarez’s case highlights ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in New York City. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges of balancing public safety with the protection of migrant rights.
