A suspected illegal immigrant, who reportedly made his way into the U.S. during the Biden administration’s implementation of the catch and release policy, is facing charges for allegedly causing severe injuries to a Maryland woman in a head-on collision, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following his arrest.
ICE Baltimore identified the suspect as Kevin Alexis Mendez-Ortiz, a Honduran national, who is believed to have entered the country illegally in 2022 during Biden’s presidency.
On November 9, the incident occurred when Mendez-Ortiz, while driving in Oxon Hill, Maryland, veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with another vehicle. After the crash, he reportedly fled the scene, as detailed by the agency.
ICE Baltimore apprehended Mendez-Ortiz on November 25 as part of a focused immigration enforcement operation in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
The collision left the female passenger with multiple injuries, including broken vertebrae, a collarbone, and wrist.
Moreover, the victim sustained fractured ribs, and injuries to her intestines and uterus, alongside a ruptured diaphragm, a collapsed lung, and a concussion, according to ICE.
According to ICE, Kevin Alexis Mendez-Ortiz is a criminal illegal immigrant from Honduras who recently caused a head-on collision in Prince George’s County that sent a U.S. citizen to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. (ICE Baltimore Field Office)
Mendez-Ortiz entered into the U.S. illegally near Hidalgo, Texas, on Sept. 30, 2022.
He was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol and issued a notice to appear in front of a judge that same day. According to ICE, he was then released into the U.S. on his own recognizance.
WATCH: Karoline Leavitt says Trump will not tolerate illegal immigrant crime
On Nov. 12, the Prince George’s County Police Department cited Mendez-Ortiz for failing to display his license and registration, driving without proper authorization, multiple hit-and-run–related violations, including not stopping or remaining at the scene and not providing insurance information, unsafe lane changes, driving on the wrong side of the road, failing to control speed, and disobeying traffic control devices and lane directions.
“This tragic incident underscores why ICE remains steadfast in its mission to identify, apprehend and remove illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety,” said ICE Baltimore acting Field Office Director Jeremy Bacon.
“A U.S. citizen suffered devastating injuries because of the reckless behavior of an illegal alien who had no lawful right to be in our country. The Baltimore field office extends our deepest hopes for our fellow citizen’s full and speedy recovery. We will continue working tirelessly to keep our communities safe from individuals who endanger the public through irresponsible and unlawful actions.”
