WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Nicol Alexandra Contreras-Suarez, a Colombian national facing immigration proceedings, appeared in a New York City court this week for a preliminary hearing on charges of first-degree rape of a minor and stalking. A New York Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2025.
Contreras-Suarez, who was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in San Ysidro, California in March 2023 for unlawful entry, was later released into the country pending immigration proceedings. According to DHS, Contreras-Suarez was subsequently arrested in Massachusetts on charges including armed robbery, prostitution, and assault with a dangerous weapon, but was released under local jurisdiction.
Federal officials said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer with Manhattan Central Booking. Contreras-Suarez remains in custody at Rikers Island while awaiting trial.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized what she described as gaps in cooperation between federal and local authorities: “This individual should not have been released back into communities. ICE will continue to pursue cases where public safety is at risk.”
The case has reignited debate over sanctuary policies and federal-local cooperation on immigration enforcement.
Source: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/31/worst-worst-criminal-proceedings-begin-case-transgender-illegal-alien-accused-child
