In a striking critique, Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming “border czar,” has publicly lambasted New York Governor Kathy Hochul for promoting subway safety just hours after a devastating incident where an illegal immigrant allegedly set a woman on fire on a subway train, leading to her death.
The incident occurred on December 22, 2024, in Brooklyn, when Sebastian Zapeta, identified as the suspect, allegedly approached a sleeping woman, igniting her clothes. The woman tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene. This horrific event unfolded mere hours before Governor Hochul posted on X, claiming that crime had decreased on NYC subways thanks to her administration’s efforts, including deploying 750 National Guard members to patrol the subway system.
Homan’s criticism was vocal during his appearance on “Fox & Friends,” where he argued that Hochul’s statements were out of touch with the grim reality of subway safety in New York. He blamed the sanctuary policies in New York and the broader immigration policies under the Biden administration for tying the hands of law enforcement agencies like ICE, preventing them from acting preemptively against individuals who might pose a threat.
Hochul’s post, which aimed to reassure the public about subway safety, came under immediate fire on social media, with many pointing out the stark contrast between her claims and the violent reality faced by subway riders. Critics, including Rep. Ritchie Torres and Councilman Robert Holden, have accused Hochul of being tone-deaf to the city’s safety issues, especially in light of the back-to-back violent incidents that day.
The incident has reignited the debate over immigration policy, law enforcement’s role in public safety, and the effectiveness of current measures to protect citizens in public spaces like the subway. Homan’s comments align with Trump’s campaign promises of mass deportations and stricter border control, which he has promised to implement once back in office.
This event also underscores the challenges faced by cities like New York in balancing sanctuary city policies with public safety concerns, especially when crimes involve individuals with immigration issues.
As New York City grapples with these issues, the conversation around immigration, crime, and public safety continues to grow, with political leaders from both sides of the spectrum weighing in on how best to address these complex challenges.
Sources:
- Fox News – Trump border czar blasts NY governor for touting subway safety hours after horrific murder: ‘Shame on you’
- NY Post – Kathy Hochul ripped for tweet about improved subway safety after NYC straphanger lit on fire
- CBS News – Trump “border czar” Tom Homan vows “there is going to be a mass deportation” during border visit with Texas governor
- ABC News – New York City mayor meets with Trump’s ‘border czar’ to discuss how to go after ‘violent’ criminals
