An undocumented individual from Honduras is facing deportation following a drunk driving incident that resulted in the deaths of two teenagers in Dane County, Wisconsin. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acted against 30-year-old Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila.
According to officials, the victims, Harry Helgeson and Brady Heiling, were just starting their lives. They would be alive today if it weren’t for Martinez-Avila, who drove the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated, leading to the tragic crash.
ICE has initiated proceedings to remove this individual, citing public safety as a concern. The situation is complicated by the historical lack of compliance from this sanctuary jurisdiction with ICE detainers, often resulting in the release of dangerous individuals. Under Secretary Noem has vowed that these young victims will not be forgotten and has pledged to advocate for justice.
Martinez-Avila faces multiple charges, including murder related to vehicular operation while impaired and manipulating a broken license. Reports indicate she drove the wrong way on I-90. Helgeson succumbed to injuries shortly after the accident, while Heiling was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.
It’s worth noting that Martinez-Avila had a previous DUI conviction in 2020, which mandated the installation of interlock devices that prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. However, it appears that this device was not installed in her vehicle at the time of the incident.
Court records show that her bond is set at $250,000 per case, with specific conditions barring her from contacting the victims’ families in any form. This entire situation reflects serious legal complexities and raises questions about the enforcement of existing regulations surrounding undocumented immigrants and public safety.
DHS has made it clear that they are pushing for Martinez-Avila’s removal, particularly in light of the historical complications for ICE operations in this area.
