On Wednesday, June 19, Christian Inga, a 25-year-old Ecuadorian migrant, was charged with the rape and kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl in Kissena Park, Queens. Inga, who crossed the United States border illegally in 2021, was apprehended by local residents and held until police arrived. He appeared in court on Wednesday and was held without bail.
The incident occurred on June 13, when the suspect allegedly approached two 13-year-olds, a boy and a girl, in the park. According to police, Inga brandished a knife, forced the children into a wooded area, tied them up, and sexually assaulted the girl. He then fled the scene, taking their cell phones. The children managed to free themselves and sought help at a nearby school from School Safety Agents, who helped the students and called 911.
The swift action of the community played a crucial role in Inga’s capture. Residents recognized him from wanted flyers and managed to subdue him until police arrived. “We beat his a**,” cheered one resident in a video that shows Inga being held down by several people. Despite attempting to fight back, Inga sustained minor injuries and was taken into custody by the NYPD.
Inga has a prior arrest record in Texas for illegally entering the country. He has also had three previous encounters with the NYPD, including a domestic violence incident. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny detailed Inga’s journey, noting that he arrived in the U.S. through Eagle Pass, Texas, with a young child three years ago.
During his arraignment, Inga faced multiple charges, including rape, robbery, kidnapping, sex abuse, menacing, unlawful imprisonment, acting in a manner injurious to a child, and criminal possession of a weapon. The community’s response highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding migrant issues and public safety in the city.
The assault shocked the Queens community and sparked a call for increased security measures. Community leaders held a press conference on Monday calling for increased protection of children and residents following the assault. Former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa said, “We’re not here to blame the police; there’s only 32,000 police officers.”
He continued, “I don’t know how [elected officials] can face their constituents when they see a horrible crime like this and other crimes that are taking place throughout New York City and continue to perpetuate the notion that we need less police and we need no cash bail.”
Yiatin Chu, public school mom and candidate for State Senate District 11, said, “As a mother of a 13-year-old girl, I was distressed to hear about the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Kissena Park. Two middle school students were doing what normal kids do after school, hanging out with friends and playing at local parks. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about kids getting home safely after school. We know the suspect is an illegal immigrant from Ecuador. Enough is enough — we need to make serious changes so kids can play at parks without fear of being stabbed, shot, or raped. Start with ending sanctuary city law and deport those who hurt our children.”
Authorities have now installed several permanent cameras in and around Kissena Park to prevent similar incidents. The case has also intensified discussions about handling migrants and the resources needed to ensure community safety. As the case progresses, the community remains vigilant and united in their efforts to support the victim and ensure such acts of violence are not repeated.
