Officials Decline ICE Hold for Deadly Arsonist

Undocumented Mexican national accused of setting fire that killed 4, including child

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:47pm

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An undocumented Mexican national named Roman Ceron Amatitla is accused of setting an apartment building on fire in Flushing, Queens, which killed four people including a 3-year-old girl. Despite ICE requesting Amatitla be released to their custody, the New York City Department of Corrections refused due to the state's sanctuary policies.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local sanctuary policies, as well as the tragic consequences that can occur when undocumented individuals with criminal histories are not properly detained and deported.

The details

Prosecutors claim Amatitla was seen going in and out of the building, buying beer, and then stealing a second one before lighting a piece of paper on fire and tossing it into the trash, sparking the deadly blaze on March 16. ICE requested Amatitla be released to their custody this week, but the NYCDOC refused in compliance with New York's sanctuary state laws.

  • The fire occurred on March 16.
  • ICE requested Amatitla's release this week.

The players

Roman Ceron Amatitla

A 38-year-old undocumented Mexican national accused of setting the deadly apartment fire.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney who is prosecuting Amatitla for the arson and resulting deaths.

New York City Department of Corrections

The agency that refused to release Amatitla to ICE custody due to the state's sanctuary policies.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that requested Amatitla be released to their custody after the deadly arson incident.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local sanctuary policies, as well as the tragic consequences that can occur when undocumented individuals with criminal histories are not properly detained and deported.”

— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney

What’s next

The case against Amatitla for arson and multiple counts of manslaughter is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if ICE will pursue further legal action to try to take custody of the suspect.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the complex and often contentious debate around immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and public safety, with no easy solutions in sight.