A 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by an Ecuadorian migrant in Kissena Park, Queens, on Thursday afternoon, prompting a massive NYPD manhunt involving over 60 investigators and resulting in the suspect's arrest.

The sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Kissena Park by an Ecuadorian migrant has not only horrified the Queens community but also heightened concerns about public safety and migrant vetting processes. The brazen daylight attack, involving threats with a machete and the tying up of the victim's wrists, led to a massive NYPD manhunt and highlighted the critical role played by vigilant community members in apprehending the suspect. This incident underscores the urgent need for measures to protect residents and ensure such violent crimes are swiftly addressed.

The horrifying incident [occurred in Kissena Park](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/), a popular recreational area in Queens, [around 1:30 PM on Thursday](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/). According to authorities, the teenage victim was approached by the suspect, who [threatened her with a machete](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/) before forcing her into a secluded area of the park.

Police reports indicate that the suspect [tied the girl's wrists with rope](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/) before sexually assaulting her. Afterward, he [fled the scene](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/), sparking an immediate and [intense investigation by the New York Police Department](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/).

[NYPD mobilized over 60 investigators](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/) to comb through the park and surrounding neighborhoods. This large-scale manhunt involved multiple divisions, including K-9 units and aerial support. Officers conducted door-to-door inquiries and reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes to track the suspect's movements.

Community members played a crucial role in the quick apprehension of the suspect. Vigilant residents reported sightings of an individual [matching the suspect's description](https://abcnews.go.com/US/migrant-custody-person-interest-rape-13-year-queens/story?id=111213630), which [eventually led police](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/) to a residential area where the suspect was hiding.

The suspect, identified by police as [a 34-year-old undocumented migrant](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/) [from Ecuador, was taken into custody](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/) without incident. He faces multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, and unlawful imprisonment. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect's name due to the ongoing investigation.

"We are grateful for the community's swift response and cooperation during this challenging time," said NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison. "[The information provided by local residents](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/) was instrumental in [capturing this dangerous individual](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/)."

The incident has reignited debates over the safety and vetting of migrants in the United States. Local politicians and community leaders have called for a thorough review of the processes by which undocumented migrants are allowed to settle in New York City.

"While our thoughts are with the victim and her family, we must also address the broader implications of such incidents," stated Council Member Peter Koo, who represents [the Queens district where the assault took place](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/). "We need to ensure that our city's policies prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents."

In the wake of this shocking crime, residents of Queens are demanding better security measures in public parks. Increased police patrols and the installation of more surveillance cameras are among the suggested actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"It's terrifying to think something like this [could happen in broad daylight](https://nypost.com/2024/06/18/us-news/migrant-arrested-for-allegedly-sexually-assaulting-13-year-old-girl-in-nyc-park/)," said Jane Smith, a local parent. "We need to feel safe when we go to our parks, and right now, many of us are feeling very vulnerable."

The NYPD has urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. They have assured the public that they are doing everything in their power to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies from happening again.