An unlawful Guatemalan migrant allegedly behind a twisted year-long arson spree on Lengthy Island walked free underneath the state’s bail reform legal guidelines – however was rapidly handed over to ICE in a coordinated effort to maintain him behind bars, in keeping with police and officers.
Elder Lopez Avalos, 27, was scooped up by federal immigration brokers Tuesday after a decide was pressured to chop him unfastened on non-bail-eligible offenses following his arrest over sparking a string of harmful automotive fires in Freeport, together with a late-night blaze at a municipal car parking zone on Sunday.
ICE issued a detainer after his Sunday arrest, and underneath an settlement with the company, authorities picked up the accused firebug Tuesday morning and turned him over to the feds.
Nassau County District Lawyer Anne Donnelly blasted New York’s bail reform legal guidelines throughout a day press convention.
“The truth that we even have to do that and have to leap via that additional hoop simply goes to point out you that these bail reform legal guidelines usually are not working,” Donnelly informed reporters.
“You’re handcuffing regulation enforcement.”
Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, who helps toppling that state’s controversial bail insurance policies, stated his division works with all federal companions and won’t hesitate to ship felony unlawful immigrants into federal custody.
“What we do in Nassau County is if you happen to get arrested, we run your title within the New York State database, and it tells me if there’s a detainer, or a judicial maintain on you,” Ryder stated.
“I’ll flip you over to ICE. That’s my obligation, and my accountability to take action. However on the finish of the day, it’s actual easy – don’t get arrested, and also you’re not getting turned over by Nassau County.”
Avalos, a Baldwin resident, was arrested Sunday after cops responded to Municipal Parking Discipline 1 on Smith Avenue round 1:30 a.m. and located 4 parked vehicles engulfed in flames, police stated.
The alleged arsonist, discovered close to the scene, was later tied to earlier automotive fires on Could 2, June 18, 2025, and June 29, 2025. Avalos can be accused of setting brush and dumpster fires alongside Nassau’s south shore, in keeping with authorities.
“That is harmful stuff. We’re speaking about setting a automotive on fireplace with 20 or 30 gallons of gasoline – it’s like a bomb,” Nassau County Government Bruce Blakeman stated.
“This might have been an actual tragedy. I’m speaking in regards to the lack of human life, harmless individuals. These those who interact in these a number of arsons, they’re sick individuals, and so they’re on the market in our group – we gotta cease them and guarantee that we use each device within the field.”
Authorities stated Avalos would rip up a T-shirt, stuff the torn items into fuel caps, and ignite them, creating “improvised incendiary gadgets,” with alleged property harm exceeding $1 million.
The suspected fireplace starter was hit with 11 counts of arson, one depend of reckless endangerment, and one depend of felony mischief.
However as a result of arson is a non-bail-eligible offense underneath the state’s bail reform legal guidelines, a decide had no selection however to launch him again into the group following his arraignment.
“If you happen to put volunteer firefighters, and the residents of Nassau County in jeopardy – that alone ought to hold you behind bars,” Nassau County Chief Hearth Marshal Mike Uttaro harassed.
Authorities stated Avalos had no ID and no fingerprints on file after being arrested – and allegedly admitted to coming into the US illegally via the Texas border from Guatemala.
He was then pushed to Westchester County earlier than settling in Freeport together with his brother.
Police took Avalos again into custody Tuesday morning and handed him over to ICE, the place officers stated he will likely be held in a federal holding cell – skirting bail reform guidelines – pending trial.
Donnelly insisted ICE will honor the county’s request to not deport him earlier than trial and would solely take away him if he’s convicted and serves his sentence.
“This defendant allegedly terrorized communities alongside the south shore of Nassau County,” she stated. “We’re going to proceed to discover choices to improve the costs.”
ICE didn’t instantly reply to The Publish’s request for remark.
