The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported that a Colombian man, Nicol Alexandra Contreras-Suarez, who identifies as a woman, has been charged with the rape of a minor in a New York sanctuary city. DHS shared that Contreras-Suarez had previously entered the U.S. illegally and was apprehended by Customs and Border Protection in March 2023 while trying to cross into San Isidro, California.
Contreras-Suarez has a history of serious charges, including armed robbery and prostitution in Massachusetts. However, due to local sanctuary policies, he was released after that arrest.
Now, he faces accusations in New York for first-degree rape and stalking involving a child under 17. His preliminary hearing is set for this week, with a more formal court date on September 10.
DHS stated that these incidents highlight the repercussions of current immigration policies. DHS Deputy Chief Tricia McLaughlin expressed concern over the situation, saying, “This creep should not be released into our country.”
McLaughlin further accused the Biden administration of failing to protect citizens, suggesting that these policies allowed a repeat offender to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Currently, Contreras-Suarez is held at Rikers Island until his next hearing. The agency is facing criticism regarding its handling of illegal immigration, especially with a notable rise in assaults against immigration officers.
DHS insists that their focus remains on apprehending criminals among the illegal immigrant population, citing that a significant percentage of their arrests involve individuals with criminal records. They assert that their operations are not targeting innocent immigrants, with a majority of their cases stemming from prior charges or convictions.
In this context, DHS has labeled Contreras-Suarez as one of the most dangerous individuals captured in a recent nationwide enforcement action, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring public safety.
