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FIRST ON FOX: A sanctuary state faces serious criticism after an illegal alien, previously allowed into the United States during the Obama administration, was granted a driver’s license. This individual is now charged in the tragic death of an 8-year-old girl following a reckless car accident in Boise, Idaho.
Elvin Elgardo Ramos-Caballero, the illegal alien in question, was driving a pickup truck with a legally obtained driver’s license from the state of Oregon. On November 11, while attempting to make a right turn at an intersection in Boise, he collided with 8-year-old Mora Gerety, who was crossing the street, resulting in her untimely death.
Ramos-Caballero had an outstanding warrant from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to his failure to attend an immigration hearing. Consequently, a judge ordered his deportation in absentia back in May 2019.
In response to this incident, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, expressed her deep sorrow, stating, “The precious life of 8-year-old Mora Gerety was taken by an illegal alien who should never have been in our country. The sanctuary state of Oregon is responsible for allowing this preventable tragedy. Mora’s family, friends, and our nation will feel this loss forever. We urge all Americans to pray for this family during their darkest days. Decades of open border policies have turned every community into a border town, resulting in deadly consequences.”
Growing Political Tensions Surrounding Sanctuary State Policies
Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida, has called for a federal crackdown on sanctuary state policies. He asserts that these laws permit illegal immigrants to obtain commercial driver’s licenses, posing a significant safety risk. His comments followed a recent operation by ICE in conjunction with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, which resulted in the arrest of 70 illegal immigrants, including 34 suspected of driving commercial vehicles unlawfully.
This tragic incident is not isolated. Earlier this summer, another serious accident involved an illegal immigrant who had received a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the state of Washington. Notably, this driver had failed his CDL test ten times within two months before eventually obtaining his license, which led to a horrific crash in Florida that resulted in three fatalities.
Concerns Over Safety and Road Regulations
Bodycam footage from Florida revealed that the driver, despite being trained to drive commercially, struggled with English. The company responsible for the driver’s training claimed that he was proficient in English, raising serious questions about the accountability of these training programs.
Rep. Donalds emphasized the urgency of addressing these matters, asserting, “The American people are doing everything right, yet they risk losing their lives due to accidents caused by CDL drivers who cannot understand our road signs or laws.” His concerns echo a growing national awareness regarding the safety of drivers on American roads.
In light of these incidents, Donalds has introduced the WEIGH Act in Congress. This legislation aims to grant broader authority to the Department of Transportation to enforce accountability on states issuing licenses to unauthorized drivers. It also seeks to allow the Department of Treasury to withhold federal funding from states that fail to comply with regulations intended to protect public safety.
A Call to Action from Lawmakers
As discussions around immigration reform and public safety continue to heat up, lawmakers from various regions are increasingly advocating for stricter regulations regarding sanctuary state policies. Their objective is not merely to address the current public safety risks but also to prevent future tragedies like that of Mora Gerety.
The systematic opening of borders under past policies has led to a call for comprehensive reforms in immigration laws, particularly those impacting road safety. Various stakeholders are emphasizing that the values of compassion and safety must coexist in discussions surrounding immigration and public welfare.
In conclusion, this tragic episode serves as a wake-up call. It highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy and public safety, urging lawmakers at all levels to reconsider the implications of sanctuary state laws. The focus must shift towards ensuring the safety of American citizens while navigating the sensitive issues surrounding immigration reform and humanitarian efforts.
