U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials are warning that sanctuary jurisdiction policies in New York may limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement following the arrest of a Mexican national accused of killing four people in a Queens apartment building fire.
Roman Ceron Amatitla, 38, identified by federal officials as an illegal alien, is facing multiple homicide and arson charges in connection with a March 16 fire at a three-story residential building on Avery Avenue in Flushing, according to prosecutors and law enforcement officials.
Amatitla has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder and first-degree arson after prosecutors allege he set a fire inside the building that rapidly spread, trapping residents and forcing others to flee through windows as smoke engulfed the structure.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz alleged in court filings that Amatitla entered and exited the building multiple times in the hours before the fire, traveling between the residence and nearby locations, including a gas station, according to New York Daily News.
Investigators say he returned shortly before the blaze began.
Prosecutors allege he obtained alcohol and matches prior to re-entering the building, then ignited a piece of paper and placed it near trash in a stairwell, where the fire quickly intensified and spread throughout the structure.
Officials said the fire resulted in four deaths and seven injuries. The victims’ identities have not yet been fully released as the case continues through court proceedings.
Amatitla is currently being held without bond in state custody as prosecutors move forward with murder and arson charges.
A judge ordered him detained, citing the severity of the allegations and public safety concerns outlined by the prosecution.
Following the arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) submitted a request to the New York City Department of Correction asking that federal authorities be notified before any potential release, according to DHS officials.
Federal officials confirmed that Amatitla is in the United States illegally, though his exact entry point and timing remain under investigation.
DHS officials used the case to renew criticism of New York’s sanctuary policies, arguing that restrictions on cooperation between local jails and federal immigration authorities can complicate efforts to detain individuals facing serious criminal charges.
Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told Fox News Digital that failure to honor ICE detainers can result in the release of individuals accused of violent offenses back into communities while federal proceedings are ongoing.
The department also cited broader detention data from New York jurisdictions, alleging thousands of individuals with immigration detainers have been released over a recent reporting period, including those accused of homicide, assault, robbery, weapons offenses, and drug crimes.
Those figures have not been independently verified by local agencies.
Amatitla remains in custody as prosecutors continue building their case. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence tied to the fire as part of the ongoing investigation.
He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing in the coming days as the case proceeds. Officials said the investigation remains active and additional filings are possible.
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