DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Condemns NYC for Ignoring ICE Detainer on Suspect in Subway Arson Killing

Kristi Noem criticizes New York City's sanctuary policies after visiting the subway station where an undocumented migrant allegedly set a woman on fire.

Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an undocumented migrant from Guatemala, is accused of murdering Debrina Kawam by setting her on fire in a Coney Island subway car in December 2024.
Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, visited the Stillwell Avenue subway station to draw attention to the case and criticized NYC's sanctuary policies.
ICE issued a detainer for Zapeta-Calil, but New York City officials have stated they will not honor it due to the city's sanctuary city status.
Zapeta-Calil had previously been deported in 2018 but re-entered the U.S. illegally and was living in a migrant shelter at the time of the attack.
The attack, described by officials as unprovoked and depraved, left Kawam's body severely burned, making her identification take over a week.