Illegal Alien Convicted of 2 Child Murders Set Free Despite ICE Hold
Connecticut law enforcement officials faced backlash after releasing an illegal immigrant who had been convicted of killing two young children in a drunk driving accident. The man, identified as Israel Alejandro Gonzalez-Arcinega, a Mexican national, was arrested by ICE agents for the crimes he committed a decade ago in Connecticut, including two counts of manslaughter and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Despite an immigration detainer lodged against him, local officials in Connecticut released Gonzalez, leading ICE to criticize the decision and highlight the devastating impact of his actions on the victims' family.
The arrest of Gonzalez in 2013 came after a tragic car crash in Meriden, Connecticut, that resulted in the deaths of two young children and injuries to others. Gonzalez fled the scene after the crash, leaving behind an 8-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister who lost their lives, and their parents who were hospitalized. ICE immediately placed an immigration detainer on Gonzalez, but he was eventually convicted in 2014 of multiple charges related to the incident, including manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence.
Despite being ordered for deportation by an immigration judge in Hartford and having a detainer request from ICE, Gonzalez was released by the Connecticut Department of Corrections in April without notifying the agency. However, deportation officers were able to apprehend Gonzalez in May during a vehicle stop in Meriden. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by ICE in apprehending and removing criminal illegal immigrants, especially in jurisdictions that do not honor detainer requests, such as certain New England communities.
ICE emphasized the importance of detainers as critical public safety tools that help focus enforcement resources on removing noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activities. The agency has been vocal about the lack of cooperation from various states and jurisdictions across the country, including New England, where local authorities have refused to honor detainer requests. The Center for Immigration Studies has identified Connecticut as a "sanctuary" jurisdiction, citing legislation enacted in 2019 that restricts local law enforcement from holding illegal aliens on immigration detainers without a warrant for serious felony offenses.
Despite criticism and concerns raised by ICE, the Connecticut Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation. The case of Israel Alejandro Gonzalez-Arcinega raises questions about the effectiveness of immigration enforcement policies and the collaboration between federal and local authorities in addressing the challenges posed by criminal illegal immigrants. As ICE continues to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing egregious offenders like Gonzalez, the debate over sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement strategies is likely to remain a contentious issue in the ongoing national discourse.
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