Illegal Immigrant Allegedly Kills County board Member and Wife in Fatal DUI Crash: DHS; IL State Rep: Reckless Immigration Policies Led to Fatal Crash

Illegal immigrant allegedly kills county board member and wife in fatal DUI crash: DHS:

Two illegal immigrants were charged after a crash left a local Illinois county board member and his wife dead.

Edwin Pacheco-Meza, 34, was allegedly driving a car under the influence when he caused a crash that left Coles County Board Member Michael Clayton and his wife, Gail Clayton, dead in Westfield, Illinois, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS reported that ammunition, an extended magazine, drugs and an open container of alcohol were found inside Pacheco-Meza’s car that he allegedly crashed.

Juan Morales-Martinez, an 18-year-old passenger inside the car Pacheco-Meza was driving, was also arrested.

Pacheco-Meza was charged with reckless homicide and driving under the influence, while Morales-Martinez was charged with drug possession and a weapons 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.

Morales-Martinez was arrested outside the Clark County Jail by federal agents. --->READ MORE HERE

Photo: Greg Bishop / The Center Square

IL state rep: Reckless immigration policies led to fatal crash:

An Illinois state lawmaker blames “reckless immigration policies” after a crash killed Coles County Board Member Mike Clayton and his wife, Gail. The driver is reportedly in the U.S. illegally.

Edwin Pacheco-Meza is being charged with driving under the influence and reckless homicide. State Rep. Adam Niemerg, whose district includes Coles County, called the crash a “terrible tragedy that should have and could have been avoided.”

“This really lands at the feet of Gov. J.B. Pritzker with the sanctuary state and sanctuary city policies,” Niemerg said. “Illegal immigration has become a major problem under both the Biden and Pritzker administrations. Criminal illegals are causing terrible accidents like this.”

Niemerg said he first learned of the accident after constituents reached out with questions and information regarding Pacheco-Meza’s immigration status. He noted that the crash occurred just over the Clark County line, but hit close to home because Mike Clayton lived and served within his district.

“These two great people could still be alive,” Niemerg said.

The Illinois State Police would not disclose Pacheco-Meza’s immigration status and referred questions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has not immediately responded to The Center Square’s inquiry regarding Pacheco-Meza’s immigration status.

Preliminary reports show Pacheco-Meza’s Chevrolet Express van crossed the center line, striking a Ford F150 head-on. Juan Morales Martinez, 18, a passenger in the van, was uninjured, while Pacheco-Meza sustained minor injuries. --->READ MORE HERE

If you like what you see, please "Like" and/or Follow us on FACEBOOK here, GETTR here, and TWITTER here.