The Department of Homeland Security has reported a tragic incident involving an illegal immigrant, Wilmer Fuentes Mejia, who allegedly caused the death of 61-year-old Richard Ferguson Jr. in a hit-and-run accident. This unfortunate event took place in Durham, North Carolina, on September 13.

Mejia, who hails from Guatemala, originally entered the United States unlawfully in 2015. This was during the Obama administration when he was released into the country. However, his stay was not to last indefinitely. In December 2019, an immigration judge issued an order for his removal. Subsequently, in 2020, during President Trump’s first term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out his deportation.

Despite his deportation, Mejia managed to re-enter the U.S. illegally at a later date. Following the recent incident, ICE has lodged an immigration detainer for Mejia. His return and alleged involvement in the fatal crash have raised significant concerns, particularly in light of his previous run-ins with the law, which include arrests for assault and driving under the influence.

As the investigation continues, the case highlights ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement and the complexities of addressing illegal re-entry into the country. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of lapses in the immigration system, prompting discussions on how best to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Police say Wilmer Fuentes Mejia allegedly killed a 61-year-old man in a hit-and-run crash. (DHS)

Mejia has a criminal history that includes prior arrests for assault and driving under the influence.

“Wilmer Fuentes Mejia is a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala who has a history of driving while intoxicated and was previously deported by ICE in 2020. A local DA allowed him to walk free after multiple DUIs only to then cause this fatal hit-and-run that killed an innocent 61-year-old man in North Carolina,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Richard Ferguson Jr. will get justice. ICE lodged a detainer for this criminal to ensure this menace and public safety threat isn’t released back onto America’s streets.”

According to WRAL, Ferguson Jr. was killed after Mejia allegedly drove off the road and hit two signs before hitting the 61-year-old.

Richard Ferguson Jr. was killed in a hit-and-run crash. (DHS)

The victim’s brother, Reginald Ferguson, said his late relative helped him through a drug addiction.

Wilmer Fuentes Mejia caused the fatal crash in Durham, North Carolina. (Cornell Watson for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“There was a time twenty some-odd years ago where I was going through some rough things, a drug addiction, and my brother helped see me through that,” Ferguson said. “Never once gave up on me, one time…He didn’t deserve to get killed and leave this earth.”

At the time of the September incident, Mejia had an arrest warrant for a 2020 DWI when he didn’t show up to court, according to the report.