A 17-year-old suspected illegal immigrant who was previously released by federal authorities has been charged in connection with a violent attack on a woman in a Plano, Texas park, according to local officials and statements provided to Fox News.
The teen, identified as Sergio Noe de Nova Duarte, is accused of striking a woman in the head with a hammer and carrying duct tape during the alleged assault. The incident occurred in a public park in Plano, though police have not yet released the exact location as the investigation remains ongoing.
According to law enforcement reports cited by Fox News, the victim was hit at least twice in the head with the hammer before she was able to escape and call for help. She was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Duarte has been charged with aggravated kidnapping and bodily injury, authorities said. Plano Police and federal agencies are continuing to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage related to the attack.
Federal Immigration Background
Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, criticized the Biden administration’s prior handling of Duarte’s case.
“Following this illegal alien’s arrest in 2024, the Biden Administration released this criminal illegal alien back into our communities,” McLaughlin said in a statement.
She added that under the current Trump administration, DHS and ICE have lodged an immigration detainer to ensure Duarte remains in custody and is not released again.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE lodged an arrest detainer to ensure this criminal illegal alien is never able to prey on innocent women in our country again,” McLaughlin said.
Investigation Ongoing
Plano police have not released additional information about Duarte’s prior criminal history or the events leading up to the alleged attack. No motive has been announced.
Authorities say the investigation remains active, and additional charges could be filed if new evidence emerges.
