New York authorities are under fire for refusing to hand over an illegal immigrant accused of setting a woman on fire inside a subway station. Despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) filing a detainer to take custody of the suspect, city officials refused to comply, keeping him in local custody instead of turning him over for deportation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the site of the crime, denouncing the city’s decision and blaming its leadership for putting sanctuary policies ahead of public safety. She called on Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul to take responsibility for the consequences of their policies.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reveals New York is PROTECTING the criminal illegal alien who BURNED an American ALIVE on the subway:
"ICE lodged a detainer for this individual that burned this woman alive and the Department of Corrections in this city won’t turn him over." pic.twitter.com/vYgTGQvF69
— Western Decline (@WesternDecline_) March 7, 2025
The suspect, who illegally entered the US in 2018, was deported under President Donald Trump’s administration but later reentered and remained in New York for over a year. Noem stated that city policies ensured he received resources while law-abiding citizens faced the consequences of his presence.
Noem criticized Hochul for not using her authority to override local sanctuary policies that block cooperation with federal agencies. She called for immediate changes to prevent further violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants who avoid deportation due to city protections.
President Trump has signaled legal action against New York over its refusal to assist federal immigration enforcement. This case has further fueled concerns over sanctuary policies as violent crimes involving illegal immigrants continue to make headlines.
New York City has come under increasing scrutiny for its handling of criminal cases involving illegal immigrants, particularly as more violent crimes are linked to individuals shielded by its sanctuary protections.
