Two undocumented immigrants now face charges following a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of a county board member and his spouse in Illinois.
Authorities allege that 34-year-old Edwin Pacheco-Meza was driving under the influence when he collided with another vehicle, fatally injuring Coles County Board Member Michael Clayton and his wife, Gail, in Westfield, Illinois, as per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The DHS disclosed that Pacheco-Meza’s vehicle contained ammunition, an extended magazine, narcotics, and an open alcohol container at the time of the crash.
Alongside Pacheco-Meza, 18-year-old passenger Juan Morales-Martinez was also taken into custody.
Authorities suspect that Michael and Gail Clayton lost their lives due to a DUI-related incident. (DHS)
Pacheco-Meza faces charges of reckless homicide and driving under the influence, while Morales-Martinez has been charged with possession of drugs and a weapons-related offense.
DHS said an ICE detainer was lodged after the two were taken to the Clark County Jail, adding officials didn’t cooperate with the request since Illinois has sanctuary policies.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
Edwin Pacheco-Meza was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and driving under the influence. (DHS)
Morales-Martinez was arrested outside the Clark County Jail by federal agents. He entered the United States illegally in December 2023 and was released under the Biden administration.
Pacheco-Meza entered the U.S. at an unknown date, DHS said.
Juan Morales-Martinez, the passenger of the car, was also arrested, DHS said. (DHS)
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the incident was preventable.
“Two innocents were killed because this criminal illegal alien chose to drive under the influence,” McLaughlin said.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem have unleashed ICE and CBP in Illinois to restore law and order and remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities. Anyone who is in the U.S. illegally and thinks they can roam free while breaking our laws and harming Americans is in for a rude awakening. If you are in our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, arrest you, remove you and you will never return.”
