Charges Filed After Fatal Crash in Illinois

Two undocumented immigrants are facing charges following a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of a county commissioner in Illinois and his wife.

Edwin Pacheco Meza, 34, was reportedly driving under the influence in Westfield, Illinois, when he crashed into another vehicle, fatally injuring Coles County Commissioner Michael Clayton and his wife, Gail. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Pacheco Meza’s vehicle contained open containers of alcohol, ammunition, drugs, and extended magazines.

Alongside Pacheco Meza, 18-year-old Juan Morales-Martinez, who was a passenger in the car, has also been arrested.

Pacheco Meza has been charged with reckless homicide and driving under the influence, while Morales-Martinez faces charges related to drug possession and weapons violations. Following their arrest, an ICE detainer was filed against them; however, officials indicated that due to the state of Illinois’ policies, the agency didn’t comply with the request.

Morales-Martinez was arrested by federal agents outside the Clark County Jail. DHS reports indicate he entered the U.S. illegally in December 2023 but was released during the Biden administration. The entry date for Pacheco Meza remains unknown.

Assistant Secretary of State Tricia McLaughlin remarked on the accident, highlighting that it was completely avoidable. “Two innocent people lost their lives due to this criminal illegal alien’s choice to drink and drive,” she stated. Furthermore, she emphasized the commitment that the former administration had to remove criminal illegal immigrants from communities, warning that those violating laws in the U.S. would face arrest and deportation.