How many more lives must be shattered before we acknowledge the utter failure of this administration’s policies? The gruesome death of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, set on fire while she slept on a Brooklyn subway, is yet another horrifying reminder of how Biden’s border neglect and soft-on-crime approach are putting Americans in mortal danger. The suspect? A 33-year-old Guatemalan national, Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, who had already been deported once in 2018—only to waltz back into the country like it was an open-door policy.
Who Was Debbie Kawam?
Debrina “Debbie” Kawam, known for her vibrant personality and infectious spirit, was a beloved figure during her high school years at Passaic Valley Regional High School in Little Falls, New Jersey. Described by friends as ambitious and full of life, Debbie had a zest for adventure and a love for the people around her. A standout in cheerleading during her freshman and sophomore years, she was well-known for her enthusiasm, determination, and team spirit.
Beyond the athleticism and school activities, Debbie’s yearbook entry reveals a young woman with a wide circle of friends and a passion for enjoying life. Her ambitions stretched beyond high school, dreaming of a career as an airline stewardess and embracing all the fun, laughter, and friendships life had to offer. Her love for cruising with her friends, her fun-filled summers, and her memorable “lost” moments with friends like LZ, LJ, and VVK paint a picture of a carefree soul with a bright future ahead.
Debbie’s yearbook also reflects her deep connection with her family and close friends, with heartfelt messages of gratitude to her parents and a humorous, yet meaningful, note about her “secret ambition”—to party forever. For those who knew her, she was more than just a peer—she was a cherished friend with a smile that could light up any room, always ready to make lasting memories and live life to the fullest.
Despite her bright start and youthful ambition, it remains unclear how Debbie Kawam’s life took such a tragic turn, ultimately leading her to live in a homeless shelter in New York City. The path that led her from her promising high school years to a life of instability and hardship is shrouded in uncertainty. What is known, however, is the horrifying and senseless way in which she met her end. On December 22, 2024, Debbie was set on fire while sleeping on a subway train at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. The 57-year-old woman, who had been residing in the city’s homeless shelters, became the victim of an attack allegedly carried out by Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a man with a violent history and a history of illegal entry into the United States. Debbie’s tragic death, in the very place she sought refuge, has drawn widespread attention to the vulnerabilities faced by homeless individuals and the ongoing issues of safety and security in public spaces.
Who’s Really Responsible?
Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary, has repeatedly told Congress that our borders are “secure.” That statement is not just laughable—it’s infuriating. When violent criminals like Zapeta-Calil, who had no business being here, can re-enter the country with apparent ease, what does “secure” even mean? Lying to Congress is a federal crime. If these statements were deliberate falsehoods, Mayorkas should be prosecuted. Period.
A Preventable Tragedy
Let’s be clear: Ms. Kawam’s death wasn’t just tragic—it was preventable. This woman didn’t deserve to die alone, in agony, because this administration refuses to enforce immigration laws. How many more innocent lives have to be lost before our leaders wake up and realize that their negligence is costing lives?
The Turning Point We Need
Thank God the chaos ends on January 20th, when President Trump returns to the White House. With Tom Homan as the incoming Border Czar, we finally have a leader who understands what it takes to secure the border. Homan’s no-nonsense approach is exactly what this country needs after four years of open-border policies that have endangered countless lives.
This administration will prioritize the safety of American citizens over appeasing activists and political correctness. Homan won’t mince words or tolerate excuses. His track record speaks for itself: he’s been enforcing the law his entire career, and he knows what it takes to keep dangerous individuals like Zapeta-Calil out of our communities.
Final Thoughts
The death of Debrina Kawam is a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences of weak leadership and failed policies. She was an innocent woman, a New Jersey resident who deserved to live out her life in peace—not to be murdered because our government failed to do its job.
This isn’t just a story about one woman’s tragic death—it’s about systemic failure at the highest levels of government. The Biden administration’s neglect has allowed chaos to fester, and it’s time for real accountability.
The border isn’t just a line in the sand—it’s a matter of life and death. On January 20th, when President Trump takes office, let’s hope this nation finally turns a corner. We owe it to Ms. Kawam and every other victim of preventable violence to make sure this never happens again.
Disclaimer:
This article is an opinion piece rooted in our firm belief in free speech and holding leaders accountable. The views expressed are based on publicly available information and an unflinching analysis of current events. We stand unapologetically by our right to speak the truth as we see it. While some may find these opinions uncomfortable, we welcome open dialogue and refuse to be intimidated for addressing critical issues that affect all Americans.
