Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., urged New York Democrats Saturday to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the indictment of a previously deported Guatemalan citizen accused of murdering a woman by setting her on fire on a New York City subway.
Malliotakis made the plea during an appearance on Newsmax.
Malliotakis, appearing on "Saturday Report," criticized Democrats in New York for policies she says protect undocumented immigrants at the expense of public safety.
"This is the Democrat policies coming to a head. It's not just the open border of Joe Biden, but it is the sanctuary policies of New York City Democrats," Malliotakis said. "It's the fact that our governor in the state of New York decided that they were going to change the laws to harbor individuals who are here illegally, to reduce sentencing so it doesn't trigger deportation, essentially making New York a sanctuary state."
Malliotakis described the subway attack as "one of the most shocking murders this year" but emphasized it was not an isolated incident. "We've seen multiple murders on the streets of New York City and state by individuals who are in this country illegally," she said.
The Staten Island Republican urged state and city leaders to reinstate ICE operations at Rikers Island and cooperate with federal authorities on deportations.
"It just shows how much we need to push the Democrats that control our city and state to once again cooperate with ICE, to once again allow ICE to operate out of Rikers Island," Malliotakis said. "We need to hold these Democrat politicians accountable, particularly our governor and our mayor, who refuse to actually take action to put the public safety of New Yorkers first."
Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, was charged Friday with four counts of murder and one count of arson, according to prosecutors. Police allege Zapeta-Calil approached a sleeping woman on Dec. 22 at the Stillwell Avenue Subway Station and ignited her clothes with a lighter. He reportedly left the train and sat calmly on a platform bench, where he was arrested by officers responding to the scene, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Zapeta-Calil remains in custody as he awaits trial. The victim's identity has not been released.
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE – See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.