Mayor Eric Adams is intensifying efforts to bring federal charges against Sebastian Zapete Calil, the Guatemalan migrant accused of setting a woman on fire aboard a subway train, resulting in her death. This push for federal arson charges adds to the local murder and arson charges already filed by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Adams’ move signals his readiness to cooperate with federal authorities, potentially easing the city’s sanctuary policies under the incoming Trump administration.
City Hall spokesperson Kayla Mamelak expressed the mayor’s outrage over the crime. “Lighting another human being on fire and watching them burn alive reflects a level of evil that cannot be tolerated,” Mamelak said. She added that Adams, in collaboration with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, has directed the NYPD to partner with ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations team to evaluate criminal charges under the federal arson statute. This reflects a strong stance against violent crimes committed by undocumented migrants.
While Adams is pushing for federal charges, the Brooklyn DA’s office emphasizes the gravity of local prosecution. New York’s first-degree murder statute carries a maximum sentence of life without parole a penalty harsher than the 25-year-to-life sentence federal arson charges would bring if the prosecution succeeds.
“Brooklyn prosecutors are prepared to pursue the most serious charges available under New York law, confident in the strength of our case, and committed to holding the alleged perpetrator fully accountable for this truly heinous murder,” a spokesperson for the DA’s office stated.
Political analyst Hank Sheinkopf views Adams’ actions as strategic, demonstrating a willingness to align with federal immigration enforcement to combat criminal behavior among undocumented migrants. “It’s a gesture on his part to cooperate with Trump’s deal on arresting, prosecuting, and deporting criminal migrants,” Sheinkopf explained. He described Adams’ move as a message aimed at progressives on the City Council who have historically resisted rolling back sanctuary city policies.
Adams is reportedly considering executive orders to reduce New York City’s sanctuary status, which restricts local law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities. This is a significant shift from the sanctuary policies that have been a point of contention since Donald Trump’s first term. Adams’ recent meeting with Trump’s proposed “border czar,” Tom Homan, indicates a potential partnership moving forward. Sources suggest that Trump may even consider a pardon for Adams, who is currently facing federal bribery charges, as part of their evolving collaboration.Sheinkopf acknowledged that Adams’ approach is ambitious but cautioned against its guaranteed success. “He’s trying to hit a home run. Will it work? I’m not so sure,” he said.
If Zapete-Calil is convicted under federal arson laws, he could face significant penalties. Federal arson resulting in death carries a sentence of 25 years to life, while arson causing injury to property used in interstate commerce could lead to a maximum of 40 years. The horrific nature of the crime adds urgency to these proceedings. Authorities allege that Zapete-Calil set the woman on fire while she slept aboard an F train in Coney Island, leaving her body so severely burned that identification has been challenging.
Sources reveal that Zapete-Calil’s criminal history includes illegal reentry into the United States. He was first apprehended at the Arizona border in 2018 and deported shortly afterward. Despite this, he managed to reenter the country before committing the subway attack. His actions have reignited debates over border security and the handling of criminal migrants.
Adams’ response underscores a broader pivot in his administration’s stance on public safety and immigration enforcement. His willingness to work with federal agencies signals a pragmatic shift to address violent crimes more effectively, even if it means diverging from traditional sanctuary city principles. By seeking federal charges, Adams not only aims to ensure the maximum possible punishment for Zapete-Calil but also positions himself as an ally to the Trump administration in addressing immigration-related crimes.
The DRIZZMAS livestream wasn’t just about music and camaraderie. Drake treated his fans to an exhilarating giveaway that featured extraordinary prizes, such as luxury cars, large cash sums, all-expense-paid dream vacations, and even tickets to his upcoming performances in Australia. One standout prize included a personal, signed photograph from Drake himself. The artist began the giveaway by reading heartfelt personal stories from fans before announcing the winners, adding an emotional touch to the festivities.
Drake then surprised the winners with direct phone calls to inform them of their prizes, creating a deeply personal and interactive experience. The livestream featured lighthearted moments too; at one point, Drake, while reviewing a replay of the stream, joked about resembling MMA icon Conor McGregor. The moment led to a conversation about his admiration for McGregor, whom he revealed as his favorite UFC fighter. Adams’ actions in this case could reshape the city’s approach to sanctuary policies and crime. By advocating for federal charges, he sets a precedent for balancing local and federal collaboration to address heinous acts of violence. However, the implications for New York City’s sanctuary status and its broader immigration policy remain to be seen as these efforts unfold under the incoming administration. Whether this strategy bolsters public safety or sparks further political controversy, Adams’ handling of this case will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the city’s approach to criminal justice and immigration enforcement.
