Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is calling out New York officials for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement after a horrific subway murder. The illegal immigrant accused of setting a woman on fire had been deported under President Donald Trump but managed to reenter the country, eventually finding refuge in New York City under its sanctuary policies.
Speaking at the Coney Island subway station where the attack took place, Noem condemned both Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul, blaming their policies for allowing the suspect to remain in the city. She pointed to the city’s protections for illegal immigrants as a direct factor in the victim’s death.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reveals New York is PROTECTING the criminal illegal alien who BURNED an American ALIVE on the subway:
"ICE lodged a detainer for this individual that burned this woman alive and the Department of Corrections in this city won’t turn him over." pic.twitter.com/vYgTGQvF69
— Western Decline (@WesternDecline_) March 7, 2025
The suspect, who first entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, was deported but later returned and lived in New York for over a year. Noem stated that the city provided food and shelter to the man while failing to protect American citizens from the threat he posed.
Despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodging a detainer request to take custody of the suspect, Noem revealed that the New York City Department of Corrections refused to comply, preventing federal authorities from removing him.
Noem called on Hochul to issue an executive order overturning sanctuary policies that obstruct immigration enforcement. She also urged the city council to take immediate action to protect citizens rather than criminals.
President Trump is backing legal action against New York over its refusal to work with federal agencies on immigration enforcement. The case has intensified scrutiny on sanctuary policies as violent crimes involving illegal immigrants continue to rise.
