An illegal immigrant from Cuba, Meliza Campos-Sanchez, has been arrested on charges of child abuse, child neglect, and arson following an incident in her Miami home where authorities allege she poured hot wax on one of her young daughters and started a fire.
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report of an intentional fire in the home's kitchen on Aug. 16. Investigators found that Campos-Sanchez, who has a significant social media following, had uploaded videos appearing to show her pouring melted candle wax on herself and at least one of her daughters. In a separate video, she is alleged to have ignited clothing with a lighter in the kitchen.
According to the criminal complaint, the two children are ages 3 and 6. Campos-Sanchez allegedly told them not to be scared before applying a drop of hot candle wax to one daughter's hand. The affidavit states the child had no visible injuries. One child reportedly told an arson detective that she and her sister witnessed their mother burn a shirt, starting a fire while they were inside the residence.
Campos-Sanchez was sedated following her arrest, and authorities did not immediately interview her. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer with the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center the day after her arrest. This request asks local officials to notify federal immigration authorities before her release, allowing ICE to potentially take her into custody.
ICE stated that Campos-Sanchez entered the United States illegally through Florida in May 2022. A DHS spokesperson commented that "If it weren’t for the Biden Administration’s reckless open-border policies, criminals like this woman would have never been able to enter our country." ICE indicated its intention to work with Florida officials to ensure her removal after she faces justice.
During her initial court appearance, Campos-Sanchez's defense requested a competency evaluation. The judge subsequently ordered evaluations by two Spanish-speaking doctors. This mental health evaluation was initiated after Campos-Sanchez's husband reportedly sought help and contacted police due to concerns about her mental state. Relatives indicated she had been prescribed medication but had stopped taking it.
Campos-Sanchez faces two counts of child neglect, one count of child abuse, and one count of arson.