The expansive congressional district, which spreads across 25 counties and lies over 3,000 miles away from the Mexican border, has recently drawn attention to national immigration debates. This spotlight intensified after the tragic death of a 6-year-old girl, Kali Toler, who lost her life in an accident involving an undocumented immigrant with a troubling history of drunk driving and deportation.
Historically, the 1st Congressional District in North Carolina is dominated by economic concerns, ranking among the poorest in the U.S. But everything shifted when Kali Toler was pronounced dead last week in a crash near Vanceboro. The driver, Jaime Santiago Corona, a Mexican national, allegedly ran a stop sign.
“The illegal immigration crisis is really hitting close to home,” said Laurie Buckhout, a resident of Edenton and a Republican candidate aiming for a rematch against incumbent Democratic Congressman Don Davis. Davis, while still within the Democratic Party, has been leaning towards Republican views lately. The district, once a Democratic stronghold, is becoming increasingly competitive.
“This situation continues because we’ve allowed so many undocumented individuals into our country under the current administration. Just moments ago, an undocumented immigrant ran a stop sign and killed a young girl,” Buckhout expressed in a conversation with FOX News Digital.
Davis, also a military veteran, remarked in a statement that federal immigration laws must be upheld to create “safe communities” for North Carolinians. He noted that Corona was found driving with a revoked license when he crashed into the Toler family on Warren Jones Road.
Despite the measures during the Trump era aimed at curbing illegal immigration, the ongoing repercussions linger, according to Buckhout. Toler’s mother and sister were injured but survived the crash, receiving treatment at a hospital in Greenville.
Records indicate that Corona was deported in 2019, 2023, and 2024, only to reenter the country illegally for the fourth time before this incident. The DHS Assistant Secretary stated that he also has a criminal record, including prior drunk driving offenses.
Buckhout remarked that policies under Trump and efforts by the Department of Homeland Security contributed significantly to reducing cases like that of the Toler family. If elected, he intends to advocate for enhanced technology at the U.S.-Mexico border, including better pay for officials and funding for advanced security measures.
“We have to support border officials more effectively. They need better technology and safer access to the border to do their jobs efficiently,” Buckhout said. He emphasized, “The safety of the American people hinges on it. Without borders, there’s no sovereignty.”
He highlighted other local immigration-related incidents, including arrests tied to violent crimes. He mentioned cases like that of Jose Valdez Macias, and another involving Josue Cano-Randero linked to child molestation charges.
Additionally, Buckhout stressed the importance of reviving the local economy, stating jobs are as critical as national security to residents of NC-1. He noted the significance of protecting local farmers and fishermen, asserting that the current administration has neglected economic issues for too long.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Davis’ campaign argued that the race against Buckhout is highly competitive and pointed to Davis’ ongoing efforts to secure essential resources for the community, such as working to reopen a local hospital in Martin County.
“Congressman Davis will keep fighting for the people of eastern North Carolina,” the spokesperson claimed.
FOX News Digital has also reached out to the Biden administration for remarks on the issue.
