Moreno Questions Connecticut Governor Over Fatal Crash Involving Illegal Immigrant

Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican from Ohio, is seeking accountability from Connecticut’s Democratic Governor Ned Lamont following a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of a 29-year-old man from Ohio. Moreno asserts that the driver responsible for the accident, an illegal immigrant, was issued a driver’s license under a policy enacted by the state governor.

In a post on X, Moreno shared, “My office has learned that an illegal alien granted a driver’s license by the state of Connecticut killed a 29 year old Ohioan in a reckless driving accident. This single death is a horrible tragedy, and yet, Connecticut has issued over 60,000 such licenses to illegal aliens, endangering countless Americans on the roads. This insanity has to stop.”

Moreno urged Lamont to “immediately apologize for his state’s role in this tragedy” and to provide details about how many illegal immigrants have obtained Connecticut driver’s licenses and if they have used them to vote in U.S. elections.

The driver in question, Washington Guillermo Naula-Ochoa, 34, was reportedly driving a 2024 Ram 3500 in Fulton County, Ohio, when he failed to yield at a stop sign, leading to the collision with a 1993 GMC Suburban driven by Austin J. Karr Grimes. Grimes tragically lost his life as a result of the crash.

Naula-Ochoa’s vehicle then hit Grimes’ SUV, causing it to overturn. Grimes was pronounced dead at the scene, while his passengers suffered minor injuries, and the passengers in Naula-Ochoa’s truck were unharmed. Naula-Ochoa now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and failing to yield at a stop sign.

Records indicate that there is an immigration detainer against Naula-Ochoa, who is also listed as “homeless.” A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that an ICE detainer was placed on him, stating, “The safest way to arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets is by lodging arrest detainers.” They emphasized that jurisdictions cooperating with ICE see safer communities.

Moreno has made a direct link between the Connecticut driving policy that allows illegal immigrants to obtain licenses and the fatal incident, criticizing it in his letter to Lamont. He stated, “Despite his lack of legal status, Connecticut issued him a driver’s license. Horrifyingly, Connecticut not only permits illegal aliens to receive a driver’s license but encourages it, all while Americans pay the ultimate price.”

Moreno is particularly concerned about a proposal from Lamont to remove the “drive-only” designation from these licenses, suggesting it would blur the lines for identification. He has requested the numbers of drive-only licenses issued to illegal immigrants along with data on any criminal activities associated with those individuals.

In response, Lamont expressed his condolences for the family of Austin Karr Grimes and defended the drive-only license program, stating it’s aimed at ensuring that all drivers, regardless of immigration status, are trained and insured, which he argues ultimately increases road safety. He added that it’s essential to hold drivers accountable for traffic violations.

Moreno countered Lamont’s justification, asserting that permitting illegal immigrants on the roads does not solve the problem; instead, he believes deportation is the proper course of action. He highlighted the ongoing debate around illegal immigrants obtaining driver’s licenses, indicating that state-issued licenses can complicate the identification and tracking of individuals in the country without legal status.

A GOP strategist commented on the situation, expressing frustration over Connecticut’s policies that seemingly prioritize compassion for illegal immigrants while causing tragedies for American families far away. The overall sentiment reflects the ongoing tension between immigration policy, public safety, and the tragic consequences of such policies.