Homan vows ICE will detain migrant accused of torching woman to death on NYC subway: ‘He’s not gonna get away’

A Heinous Crime and the Fight Over Immigration Enforcement

A shocking and tragic incident in New York City has reignited the heated debate over sanctuary city policies and immigration enforcement. Border czar Tom Homan, a vocal advocate for stricter immigration laws, has vowed that federal authorities will eventually apprehend and deport Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan national accused of setting a woman on fire in a subway car. Zapeta-Calil is currently in custody at Rikers Island, but New York City’s sanctuary policies are preventing his transfer to federal immigration authorities. Despite these obstacles, Homan remains resolute, asserting that federal agents will not back down and will do whatever it takes to ensure Zapeta-Calil is deported.

The Case of Sebastian Zapeta-Calil and Sanctuary City Policies

Zapeta-Calil, a 33-year-old migrant who was previously deported from the U.S. in 2018, is charged with the gruesome murder of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam. Kawam was set ablaze while sleeping in a subway car at Coney Island’s Stillwell Avenue station, a crime that has sent shockwaves through the community. ICE issued a detainer for Zapeta-Calil following his arrest, but New York City’s sanctuary policies have blocked his transfer to federal custody. These policies prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, making it harder for ICE to detain and deport individuals like Zapeta-Calil.

Tom Homan’s Vow to Uphold Federal Authority

In an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Homan made it clear that federal agents will not be deterred by New York City’s refusal to comply with the ICE detainer. “If we have to sit outside that jail every day, 24/7, we’ll get our hands on him,” Homan declared. He emphasized that sanctuary cities like New York may create additional challenges, but they will not stop ICE from fulfilling its mission to remove criminal illegal aliens from the country. Homan also referenced President Trump’s pledge to eliminate threats posed by illegal immigrants, stating that ICE will continue to work tirelessly to keep this promise.

The Broader Implications of Sanctuary City Policies

New York’s sanctuary policies, particularly the “Green Light Law,” have become a focal point in this case. Enacted in 2019, the law allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and restricts state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), from sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities unless a judge’s order is obtained. Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed a lawsuit against New York, arguing that this law hinders federal immigration efforts by denying access to critical information needed to identify and deport illegal immigrants. The Justice Department’s lawsuit asserts that DMV information is vital for maintaining officer safety and enforcing immigration laws effectively.

The Ongoing Debate Over Sanctuary Cities and Public Safety

The case of Sebastian Zapeta-Calil has sparked fresh criticism of sanctuary city policies, with many arguing that they undermine public safety. Opponents of these policies, including Homan and Bondi, argue that they shield dangerous criminals from federal authorities, allowing them to remain in the country and potentially harm others. Homan suggested that Bondi could pursue further legal action against New York if Zapeta-Calil is not handed over to ICE. This case highlights the tension between state-level sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement efforts, a conflict that continues to divide the nation.

A Call to Action and the Future of Immigration Enforcement

As the legal battle over Zapeta-Calil’s custody unfolds, the debate over sanctuary cities and immigration enforcement is likely to intensify. Homan’s determination to deport Zapeta-Calil reflects a broader commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws, even in the face of resistance from local authorities. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how sanctuary cities interact with federal immigration agencies in the future. For now, the tragedy of Debrina Kawam’s death serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in this ongoing debate.