DHS Arrests Illegal Alien Charged with Arson in New York

This illegal alien from Guatemala set fire to 10 cars, including in a parking lot near a children's center

WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested an illegal alien charged with arson after burning multiple cars in New York.

On May 10, 2026, police in Nassau County, New York arrested Elder Lopez-Avalos, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, on charges of fire and arson. According to local reports, Lopez-Avalos set fire to 10 cars in Freeport. Several of the acts of arson took place in a parking lot near a children's center.

The Nassau County Police Department cooperated with ICE law enforcement, and with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ICE took Lopez-Avalos into custody on May 12.

"Thanks to ICE and CBP law enforcement, this criminal illegal alien charged with arson was arrested by ICE on May 12," said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "This pyromaniac set fire to 10 cars and was a clear public safety threat. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will arrest you and deport you."

Lopez-Avalos illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Unfortunately, many New York jurisdictions do NOT cooperate with ICE. As of December 1, New York's failure to honor ICE detainers has resulted in the release of 6,947 criminal illegal aliens since January 20. The crimes of these aliens include 29 homicides, 2,509 assaults, 199 burglaries, 305 robberies, 392 dangerous drugs offenses, 300 weapons offenses, and 207 sexual predatory offenses. As of December 1, 7,113 aliens in the custody of a New York jurisdiction have an active detainer. The crimes of these aliens include 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 134 burglaries, 106 robberies, 235 dangerous drugs offenses, 152 weapons offenses, and 260 sexual predatory offenses.

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