A Nicaraguan migrant in Miami-Dade County has been charged with sexually assaulting an 80-year-old woman who had fallen in her home and was unable to defend herself, sparking concerns over immigration enforcement as ICE seeks custody of the suspect.
A Nicaraguan migrant has been charged with sexually assaulting an elderly woman in Miami-Dade County after she fell in her home and was unable to call for help. Erick Garcia-Gutierrez, 37, was arrested on October 19 and charged with first-degree felony sexual battery of a physically helpless person.
According to Miami-Dade police, the incident occurred on October 15 when the 80-year-old woman, while cooking a meal, suffered a fall and was left lying on the floor, calling for assistance. Garcia-Gutierrez, who was renting a room in the woman's home, allegedly entered her residence but instead of helping her, proceeded to assault her as she lay defenseless.
Despite the woman’s repeated pleas for Garcia-Gutierrez to stop, police said he continued the assault. He was arrested days later and remains in custody at Miami-Dade County Jail. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Garcia-Gutierrez, meaning the agency has requested custody if he is released from jail.
The case has brought renewed attention to immigration enforcement policies, as Garcia-Gutierrez's legal status in the U.S. becomes part of the ongoing investigation.
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