New York City is facing serious backlash after an illegal immigrant allegedly set a woman on fire in a subway car. The incident has sparked outrage, particularly from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who claims city officials plan to ignore an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer for the suspect, Sebastian Zapeta.
The tragic event took place in late December when 33-year-old Zapeta reportedly attacked Debrina Kawam while she was sleeping. Reports indicate that he used a lighter to ignite her clothing, which quickly engulfed her in flames. Eyewitness footage captured the horrifying moment, showing Zapeta watching as Kawam burned, while other passengers and even a police officer failed to intervene.
Noem visited the Coney Island subway station where the attack occurred and criticized New York’s sanctuary city policy. She stated that the NYC Department of Corrections would not honor the ICE detainer, which is meant to hold illegal immigrants for deportation. “This is disgusting. New York politicians are allowing the murder of their own citizens,” Noem expressed, calling for Governor Kathy Hochul to suspend sanctuary protections immediately.
Zapeta faces charges of murder and arson. Authorities noted that he and Kawam did not know each other prior to the attack. The severity of Kawam’s injuries delayed her identification, as her body was badly damaged.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the act as "the most depraved act that a human being can commit against another person." She mentioned that officers and a transit worker tried to save Kawam using a fire extinguisher, but unfortunately, she died at the scene.
Zapeta had previously entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 but was deported shortly after. He re-entered the country and was living in a migrant shelter in New York City at the time of the incident. The case raises significant concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current immigration policies in sanctuary cities.