Illegal immigrants with prior DUI convictions are being alleged to have been released into a community in a blue state, leading to a crash in Lakewood, New Jersey, which resulted in the death of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office reported that 43-year-old Raul Luna Perez, a Mexican national, has been arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and assaults following a car accident on July 26th. He is currently connected to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
ICE mentioned that this incident wasn’t Luna-Perez’s first legal issue. He had previous DUI arrests in March and April and was also charged with simple domestic violence in June 2023.
On the tragic night of the crash, police responded to a report just before 11:30 PM. Investigations suggest that Luna-Perez was behind the wheel of a Dodge Durango that struck two passengers.
A woman driving a Nissan was sadly declared dead at the scene, with her 11-year-old daughter, who was also in the vehicle, later succumbing to her injuries at Monmouth Medical Center. Another 11-year-old girl who was with them was taken to the same hospital and is reportedly in serious but stable condition.
The two passengers in Luna-Perez’s car were treated for minor injuries and later released. Prosecutors indicated he showed signs of impairment at the scene and was taken to the hospital for a blood draw as part of a court order.
ICE submitted a detainer against Luna-Perez on Monday, beginning removal procedures while he remains in custody.
The Department of Homeland Security noted that Luna-Perez entered the U.S. unlawfully, although the details about when that occurred remain unclear. ICE criticized New Jersey’s sanctuary policies under Governor Phil Murphy, suggesting these policies contributed to this avoidable tragedy.
Assistant Director Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Governor Murphy and his sanctuary policy have made this serial offender a part of the New Jersey community. Now, this innocent family is suffering because of that failed leadership.”
She further indicated that efforts will continue to remove individuals in such situations to prevent further losses.
