An illegal migrant from Sierra Leone is charged with attempted murder after police say he stabbed a 15-year-old girl in Baltimore. Federal authorities say New York City released him in July despite a request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold him.
Abubakarr Barrie, 23, faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and kidnapping. Police say Barrie picked up the girl for an unlicensed taxi ride on October 22, dragged her into his basement, ripped off her clothes, and stabbed her several times, Fox45 reports. Surveillance video shows the girl running from the house.
Barrie was denied bond. His preliminary hearing is set for November 25.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Barrie crossed the border into Arizona in December 2023 and was released by Border Patrol.
In July 2026, New York City arrested him for forgery. DHS says the city released him despite an ICE detainer, a formal request that local authorities hold a suspect so federal agents can take custody. New York City has not responded to the DHS account.
In August, Barrie was charged with prostitution in Baltimore County. That case was shelved. Baltimore County confirmed that ICE did not lodge a detainer there. Two months later, police say, he attacked the girl.
“This tragedy would never have happened were it not for the multiple failures of sanctuary policies,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Fox45 asked the district’s lawmakers whether “sanctuary policies failed this 15-year-old victim.” A spokesperson for Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen replied: “Senator Van Hollen has always and will continue to support the prosecution to the full extent of the law of any individuals who pose a threat to our communities.”
