NYC Rejects ICE Hold on Alleged Maspeth Arsonist

Law enforcement sources dismiss DHS claims that city refused to cooperate with immigration authorities.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:05pm

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requested the New York City Department of Correction (NYCDOC) not release Roman Amatitla, an alleged arsonist accused of a deadly Maspeth fire. However, law enforcement sources say Amatitla will remain detained on Rikers Island until his next court appearance, dismissing the DHS claims as a 'publicity stunt'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement, immigration authorities, and sanctuary city policies in New York. The DHS accusation that the city refused to cooperate with ICE has been met with skepticism from officials familiar with the case.

The details

Amatitla, a 38-year-old Maspeth resident, was remanded into custody earlier this month for allegedly starting a fatal five-alarm fire in Flushing that killed four people, including a 3-year-old girl. He was arraigned on charges including second-degree murder and first-degree arson. Law enforcement sources say Amatitla will remain detained on Rikers Island until his next court appearance on May 12, despite the DHS claim that the city refused to honor an ICE detainer.

  • Amatitla was remanded into custody on Rikers Island on April 9.
  • His next court appearance is scheduled for May 12.

The players

Roman Amatitla

A 38-year-old Maspeth resident accused of starting a fatal fire in Flushing that killed four people, including a 3-year-old girl.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that announced ICE requested the city not release Amatitla, a claim dismissed by local law enforcement.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration agency that requested the city not release Amatitla, according to the DHS announcement.

New York City Department of Correction (NYCDOC)

The city agency that the DHS says refused to cooperate with ICE's request to not release Amatitla.

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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 committed to releasing this murderer onto New York streets.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS Acting Assistant

What’s next

Amatitla will remain detained on Rikers Island until his next court appearance on May 12, where a judge will determine if he should be granted bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement, immigration authorities, and sanctuary city policies in New York. While the DHS has accused the city of refusing to cooperate with ICE, law enforcement sources have dismissed these claims as a 'publicity stunt', underscoring the complex dynamics at play.