A Sydney father is advocating for the immediate deportation of an alleged offender following the horrific sexual assault of his teenage son in a New York City convenience store. The man, whose identity has been withheld to protect his son, expressed profound outrage, stating that if the crime hadn't targeted his child, it would undoubtedly have befallen another innocent individual.
The alleged perpetrator, identified by the NY Post Metro as Victor Ramirez, also known as Tiffany Encarnacion, 26, is an undocumented transgender immigrant. Forensic evidence reportedly links Encarnacion to the crime, which occurred in a Brooklyn bodega last December. The victim, a 15-year-old Australian, had only recently arrived in New York to spend Christmas with his father.
A Parent's Outcry for Justice
Speaking to the NY Post Metro, the father voiced his anguish and determination. "When something like this happens, you just want to see justice served," he told the publication, highlighting the profound impact the incident has had on his family. His primary demand is that Encarnacion, currently held on a US$200,000 (approximately A$290,000) bail, be handed over to immigration authorities directly from Rikers Island jail. He fears that if released on bail, Encarnacion could abscond, evading accountability for the alleged crime. "He is an illegal, the priority should be to remove him from the country," the father asserted.
Adding to the family’s distress, court documents indicate Encarnacion was released without bail in December on an unrelated robbery charge, just days before the alleged sexual assault. This detail has fuelled the father's conviction that the justice system failed to adequately protect the public. The alleged prior offence involved the theft of two cases of beer worth US$50 (approximately A$72) from the same bodega where the sexual assault later occurred, underscoring a pattern of alleged criminal behaviour.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
According to police reports cited by the NY Post Metro, Encarnacion allegedly entered the bodega bathroom and sexually assaulted the teenager. District Attorney Eric Gonzalez's office confirmed that Encarnacion was indicted in January on charges including predatory sexual assault against a child, rape, sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. Encarnacion pleaded not guilty to these charges on January 29, with the next court date set for April 11. Given the severity of the charges, a conviction could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
Local authorities have not yet commented on the potential for deportation proceedings, preferring to focus on the ongoing criminal trial. However, the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) typically places detainers on non-citizens charged with serious crimes, indicating a likelihood of deportation proceedings following the resolution of their criminal case. The father remains hopeful that this process will be expedited.
The Lingering Trauma and Broader Implications
The traumatic incident has left the Australian family shattered, with the victim reportedly struggling to cope. His father emphasised the lasting psychological impact this event has had. "My son is a mess, he wakes up every night crying and screaming," he stated, painting a grim picture of their family's ordeal. The father also stressed the need for greater scrutiny of individuals who are undocumented and have prior criminal records.
This case has reignited public debate in New York—and across the globe—about immigration policies and public safety, particularly concerning individuals who re-offend after being released from custody. For this Sydney father, the focus remains squarely on securing justice for his son and ensuring that those who allegedly commit such heinous acts face the full consequences, including removal from the country. The family intends to follow the legal proceedings closely, hoping for an outcome that brings some measure of peace and prevents similar tragedies.
