A man who allegedly posed as an ICE agent before attempting to rape a woman waiting for a cab in New York City is on the run, authorities said.
The 51-year-old victim was near Montague Street and Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights around 11 a.m. Tuesday when the suspect approached her, officials said.
Claiming he was an immigration officer, he told her he needed to speak with her before forcibly taking her into a basement. Once inside he attempted to sexually assault her, per police.
The suspect never presented any identification. He punched the woman and stole her chain, cellphone, and purse before fleeing the scene. The victim suffered facial cuts, scratches, and bruises across her body. She was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, according to police per local news.
Authorities have not yet identified the suspect and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
WANTED ATTEMPTED RAPE: 2/11/25 @NYPD84PCT in a lobby in the vicinity of Montague St & Henry St the victim was approached by an unk individual who forced her in a basement stairwell, assaulted her & attempted to rape her. The individual then forcibly removed her property & fled. pic.twitter.com/mnxbCWfD8E
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) February 12, 2025
This incident comes amid a growing trend of impersonations of ICE agents. In recent weeks, at least three individuals in separate states have been arrested for posing as immigration officers or law enforcement to intimidate others.
The increase coincides with President Trump's mass deportation efforts.
ICE detained 8,784 undocumented immigrants and deported 5,693 individuals within the first two weeks of Trump's second term.
