Baltimore Stabbing Suspect Entered US in 2023, Was Released by NYC
Abubakarr Barrie, 23, is accused of stabbing a 15-year-old girl in Baltimore. He entered the US in December 2023 and was released by New York City officials in July despite an ICE detainer.
A 23-year-old man from Sierra Leone is accused of stabbing a 15-year-old girl and trying to kidnap her in Baltimore on Oct. 22. He entered the U.S. in December 2023 and was released by New York City officials in July despite a federal immigration detainer, according to Fox News.
What happened
Baltimore Police say Abubakarr Barrie stabbed the girl inside a home. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Barrie picked the victim up and took her to a basement property he was renting at the time. Inside, he allegedly stabbed her repeatedly until she escaped and ran away.
Barrie was arrested two days later, on Oct. 24. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged a detainer against him the same day.
DHS confirmed Barrie is an illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone who entered the country in December 2023 through Arizona. Border Patrol agents arrested him at the time, and he was eventually released under the Biden administration.
Earlier this year, the New York City Police Department arrested Barrie on a charge of third-degree possession of a forged instrument. ICE lodged a detainer then as well, but New York City officials released him in July.
Multiple reports say Barrie worked as an unlicensed cab driver.
Why it matters
The case highlights how local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement can collide. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement that the tragedy “would never have happened were it not for the multiple failures of sanctuary policies.” He criticized New York officials for refusing to hand Barrie over to ICE after his earlier arrest, which occurred three months before the Baltimore stabbing.
Mullin urged Baltimore County authorities to honor ICE’s detainer and prevent Barrie from harming anyone else. The case is likely to intensify the debate over cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Abubakarr Barrie, 23, from Sierra Leone |
| Charges | Attempted murder, kidnapping of a minor, stabbing |
| Victim | 15-year-old girl |
| Incident date | Oct. 22 |
| Arrest date | Oct. 24 |
| Entry into U.S. | December 2023 via Arizona; released under Biden administration |
| Prior NYC arrest | Earlier this year for third-degree possession of a forged instrument |
| NYC release | July, despite ICE detainer |
| ICE detainer | Lodged Oct. 24 |
What this means for you
- If you live in a sanctuary jurisdiction, local police may not hold someone for federal immigration agents after an arrest. This case shows how that policy can play out.
- The case is still pending. Barrie is accused, not convicted. Court proceedings will determine guilt or innocence.
- DHS is urging Baltimore County to honor the detainer. Whether local authorities will comply is not yet clear.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Abubakarr Barrie?
He is a 23-year-old illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone who entered the U.S. in December 2023. He is accused of stabbing a 15-year-old girl in Baltimore on Oct. 22.
Why was he released in New York?
New York City officials released him in July after an arrest on a forged instrument charge, despite an ICE detainer. DHS Secretary Mullin criticized this as a failure of sanctuary policies.
What is an ICE detainer?
It is a request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement asking a local jail to hold a person for up to 48 hours after their release so ICE can take custody. Sanctuary jurisdictions often decline to honor these requests.
What to watch next
Baltimore County authorities have not said whether they will honor ICE’s detainer. Fox News Digital has reached out to NYPD and the City of New York for comment. The outcome of the criminal case against Barrie will also be closely watched.
- Abubakarr Barrie, 23, from Sierra Leone, is accused of stabbing a 15-year-old girl in Baltimore on Oct. 22.
- He entered the U.S. in December 2023 and was released by New York City officials in July despite an ICE detainer.
- DHS Secretary Mullin blamed sanctuary policies for the attack; Baltimore County has not said if it will honor the detainer.
