Cuban national charged with child abuse and arson in Miami

Meliza Campos-Sanchez, a 26-year-old Cuban national, faces charges of arson, child abuse, and child neglect in Miami-Dade following an incident involving her two daughters, aged three and six.

Authorities arrested Campos-Sanchez after investigators discovered social media videos she had posted to Instagram. The footage reportedly shows her pouring hot wax on herself and her children, as well as setting a fire in her kitchen. Law enforcement officials stated that when they arrived at the residence, she was intentionally starting a fire and throwing items into it.

During a recent court appearance, the defense requested mental health evaluations to determine her competency. Her husband noted that she had been struggling with mental health issues and had stopped taking prescribed medications. The children are currently in the care of their father.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against Campos-Sanchez, requesting custody to facilitate her removal from the United States following her legal proceedings. She reportedly entered the country in May 2022.