WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken into custody a Guatemalan national charged with setting fire to multiple vehicles in Nassau County, New York.
Elder Lopez-Avalos, 27, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, was arrested by Nassau County Police on May 10, 2026, and charged with arson. According to authorities, Lopez-Avalos is accused of setting fire to 10 cars in Freeport, with several of the fires occurring in a parking lot near a children’s center.
Details of the Arrest
Nassau County Police worked with ICE to take Lopez-Avalos into federal custody on May 12, 2026. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
“ 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 entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location.
Broader Context on New York’s Sanctuary Policies
New York’s policy of not cooperating with ICE has drawn significant criticism. As of December 1, New York jurisdictions have released 6,947 criminal illegal aliens despite ICE detainers since January 20. These individuals include those charged with serious crimes such as:
- 29 homicides
- 2,509 assaults
- 199 burglaries
- 305 robberies
- 392 dangerous drug offenses
- 300 weapons offenses
- 207 sexual predatory offenses
Additionally, 7,113 aliens currently in New York custody have active ICE detainers.
Final Thoughts
This case highlights both the dangers posed by criminal illegal immigrants and the role of federal immigration enforcement in protecting public safety when local jurisdictions fail to hold serious offenders. Setting multiple cars on fire - especially near a children’s center - represents a serious threat to the community.