A man in the country illegally, identified as a 29-year-old, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a court hearing in New Orleans, Louisiana. The man, charged with negligent homicide, reckless operation of a vehicle, and driving without a license, was involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of a 48-year-old journalist.
The incident occurred on the Crescent City Connection bridge in downtown New Orleans early Friday morning. The journalist, riding a Yamaha motorcycle, was rear-ended by a Toyota Camry driven by the accused individual, causing a multi-vehicle collision. Tragically, the journalist was pronounced dead at the scene despite wearing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet.
According to the Louisiana State Police, the suspect and another driver involved in the crash were unharmed and wearing seat belts. Prosecutors requested that the suspect be held without bond, citing concerns about flight risk. It was revealed during the court hearing that the accused individual was an illegal immigrant who had been denied a visitor visa in 2019.
ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans filed an immigration detainer on the suspect, who entered the U.S. without proper admission or parole. The suspect claimed that he was reaching for his coffee at the time of the crash and could not avoid hitting the journalist's motorcycle.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed her condolences to the journalist's family and colleagues, emphasizing that her office is prosecuting the case and has secured detention without bond for the suspect. The New Orleans Police Department also mourned the loss of the journalist, describing him as a respected sports producer and a friend to many in the media community.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
