NYC Refuses ICE Hold for Illegal Immigrant Accused in Deadly Arson Attack

Authorities say the suspect randomly set a Queens apartment building on fire, killing 4 and injuring 7 others.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:36am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred matchstick against a pitch-black background, conveying the stark, gritty details of a criminal investigation.The charred remains of the alleged arson weapon expose the grim details of a deadly attack that has reignited the debate over sanctuary city policies.NYC Today

A Mexican national illegal immigrant accused of randomly setting a New York City apartment building on fire that killed four people and injured seven others could be released back onto the streets, as the city is refusing a request from the Department of Homeland Security to turn him over to immigration authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement, with officials accusing New York City of prioritizing politics over public safety by refusing to cooperate with ICE detainers for criminal illegal immigrants.

The details

Roman Amatitla, 38, of Maspeth, is charged with eight counts of second-degree murder and first-degree arson after allegedly lighting a three-story Flushing building on fire on March 16, which he selected at random. Authorities say Amatitla entered and exited the building multiple times, urinated in front of the apartments, and then went to a nearby gas station where he bought a beer, stole another, and took a pack of matches. He then allegedly returned to the building, lit a piece of paper on fire, and tossed it onto trash near a stairwell, causing a deadly blaze.

  • On March 16, 2026, Amatitla allegedly set the Flushing apartment building on fire.
  • On April 17, 2026, DHS requested the New York City Department of Corrections not release Amatitla from jail.

The players

Roman Amatitla

A 38-year-old Mexican national illegal immigrant charged with eight counts of second-degree murder and first-degree arson for allegedly setting a deadly fire in a Queens apartment building.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney who said Amatitla stayed in the immediate area to watch people burn and jump from the windows while sipping his beer, in what she described as an 'act of mass murder.'

Lauren Bis

The acting assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who criticized New York City's sanctuary policies for refusing to cooperate with ICE and release Amatitla.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, whose executive order shielding criminal illegal immigrants from ICE enforcement was criticized by DHS.

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic Governor of New York, whose legislative proposal to bar local police from partnering with ICE was also criticized by DHS.

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What they’re saying

“This monster set fire to a building and watched as innocent people, including a three-year-old, burned to death. New York City sanctuary politicians REFUSE to cooperate with ICE and are choosing to RELEASE this MURDERER onto New York streets.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

“Releasing this monster from jail is insanity and will allow him to commit more crimes and create more innocent victims. We are calling on Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani to not release this public safety threat.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

DHS officials confirmed Amatitla is an illegal immigrant, though it is unclear where and when he entered the country. The judge overseeing the case will decide whether to grant Amatitla bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing debate over sanctuary city policies, with federal authorities accusing local officials of prioritizing politics over public safety by refusing to cooperate with immigration enforcement and potentially allowing dangerous criminals to be released back onto the streets.