A migrant transgender woman, who is sought after by federal immigration officials, reportedly stalked and sexually assaulted a young boy in Manhattan recently, according to sources.
Nicol Suarez reportedly pursued the 14-year-old boy into the restroom of a bodega located across the street from Thomas Jefferson Park in East Harlem on Tuesday, where he proceeded to assault him, as per police reports and sources familiar with the incident.
After leaving the bathroom, the boy immediately sought help from nearby witnesses, who quickly notified the authorities, according to the sources.
The authorities apprehended Suarez, a 30-year-old individual hailing from Colombia, near the crime scene the next day. He faced charges of first-degree rape.
At the time, Suarez had active warrants in New Jersey and Massachusetts, with a detainer placed on her by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a law enforcement source.
Unfortunately, the specific details regarding the out-of-state charges were not immediately made known.
An ICE detainer is a request made by law enforcement agencies to hold an individual, allowing them to be taken into federal custody.
According to a source, the case highlights the need for the city to reconsider its sanctuary city status for dangerous criminals.
“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 said.
“ICE could just pick this person up and deport them back,” the source said.
“But due to our sanctuary laws we can’t do anything.”
According to a law enforcement source, prosecutors initially requested $500,000 bail and a $1.5 million bond for Suarez.
Judge Elizabeth Shamahs, who assumed her role as a judge in January after winning the election as a Democrat, has decided to reduce the bail amount to $100,000 or a $250,000 bond, as per the online court records.
“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.”
According to online records, Suarez is currently in custody at Rikers Island.
“This rapist should be deported so he can’t do that to any other innocent young boy,” Lindsaey Gonzalez said.
“That boy must be traumatized a lot for the rest of his life,” Gonzalez, 24, said. ‘I feel bad for him because I’m a mother.”
The owner of a neighboring deli, not the store where the attack took place, expressed his shock and concern upon learning about the incident. According to him, children frequently visit his deli after playing in the park to buy candy and snacks.
“Oh my God, that is disgusting,” said Azid Haime, 59, owner of 2234 East Side Deli.
“He destroyed that little boy’s life!” he said. “All my body is shaking, I want to sit. I can’t explain how I feel. I’m more than angry.”
