U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking the removal of a Cuban migrant accused of pouring hot wax on her two daughters and starting a fire in her Miami home, officials stated. Meliza Campos-Sanchez, 26, faces multiple charges including child neglect, child abuse, and arson.
According to ICE officials, Campos-Sanchez entered the United States illegally in May 2022 under the Biden administration. An ICE detainer was lodged with Miami officials, requesting that Campos-Sanchez be held for up to 48 hours past her scheduled release time to allow immigration agents to take her into federal custody. ICE has stated its intention to work with Florida authorities to ensure her removal after she faces justice.
Campos-Sanchez was arrested last Monday, and the detainer was issued the following day. Fire crews responded to a blaze at her home on August 16, which investigators later determined to be intentional, according to an arrest affidavit.
Authorities discovered disturbing videos that appeared to show Campos-Sanchez pouring hot wax from a lit candle onto her chest and onto one of her daughters. Another clip allegedly showed her dancing and then igniting a pile of clothes after dousing them in a liquid. These videos were reportedly shared on her Instagram account, which had 55,000 followers.
One of the daughters told police that she and her sister witnessed their mother burn a shirt, which started a fire while they were inside the residence. Investigators reportedly found a flammable liquid and a lighter at the home.
Campos-Sanchez, who was reportedly wearing a mask in one of the videos, was taken to a hospital before being booked into a Miami-Dade jail. Her husband, Yusniel Cue, reportedly told authorities that the couple was experiencing marital issues and that he had been staying with his parents. He also claimed Campos-Sanchez had attempted suicide and reported his concerns to the police. It is unclear when this alleged suicide attempt occurred.
Campos-Sanchez has been ordered to stay away from her daughters. Resources for those affected by suicide or mental health crises are available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line.