Miami woman faces child abuse and arson charges

Meliza Campos-Sanchez, a Cuban national and social media influencer, is facing charges of child neglect, child abuse, and arson following an incident in Miami. Authorities allege that Campos-Sanchez poured hot candle wax on her young daughters, aged 3 and 6, and ignited clothing with a lighter, starting a fire in her kitchen.

Investigators reportedly discovered the alleged abuse through videos uploaded to social media. While one child reportedly saw the mother burn a shirt, an affidavit noted that the child involved in the wax incident showed no visible injuries. Campos-Sanchez is scheduled to undergo a court-ordered mental-competency evaluation.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer for Campos-Sanchez, claiming she entered the United States illegally via Florida in May 2022. ICE officials stated they are working with Florida partners to ensure her removal from the country after she faces legal proceedings.