Mother of Hit-and-Run Victim Calls for Accountability from Illegal Immigrant After Tragic Incident

Mother of Hit-and-Run Victim Calls for Accountability from Illegal Immigrant After Tragic Incident

A former police officer is advocating for justice after her son was involved in a nearly fatal hit-and-run incident. The event occurred on his 21st birthday, leaving him hospitalized and igniting discussions about illegal immigration and public safety.

Sheena Carach, the mother of Zach Carach, expressed her frustration with the current state of immigration law in America. She highlighted a fundamental human expectation that drivers stop after an accident, irrespective of their immigration status. “It doesn’t matter if you’re legal or illegal. It is about being a decent human being,” she stated passionately.

Tragic Celebration Turns into Nightmare

On May 19, Sheena and her family traveled to Nashville from Florida to celebrate Zach’s milestone birthday. After enjoying brunch and exploring Music City, the celebration took a dark turn when Zach attempted to cross a street and was struck by a speeding vehicle. The driver fled the scene.

Describing the moment, Carach said, “I can say in that moment, my heart left my body. I thought I had lost my child. I ran to him and started praying.” Her son is currently recovering in the hospital after the harrowing incident.

Identifying the Suspect

Authorities have identified the suspected driver as Tony Lopez-Infante, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela. He entered the United States in August 2023 and has a final order of removal, which complicates his situation further. Weeks have passed since the incident, and Lopez-Infante remains at large.

The local police confirmed that Lopez-Infante had multiple outstanding warrants, including a probation violation for theft. The vehicle involved in the hit-and-run, a Mitsubishi Mirage, was returned to a rental agency with visible damage.

Concerns Over Open Border Policies

Following the incident, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement communicated that Lopez-Infante’s entry into the country coincided with policies perceived to encourage illegal immigration. A spokesperson emphasized that such crimes could potentially be preventable, attributing culpability to the current administration’s open border policies.

On social media, the Department of Homeland Security remarked that releasing individuals like Lopez-Infante poses a significant risk to public safety. They stated, “This crime was preventable and is the direct result of open border policies that prioritized illegal aliens over the safety of American citizens.”

The Rental Controversy

Sheena Carach raised critical concerns regarding how Lopez-Infante was able to rent a vehicle. She alleged that he managed to rent a car without holding a valid driver’s license or insurance, raising questions about rental agency practices. “He rented a car in February of this year with no driver’s license, no insurance, paying cash weekly. I wouldn’t have been able to do that,” she said, emphasizing the apparent leniency in regulations.

Calls for Accountability and Concern for Public Safety

Carach’s frustration extends to the broader implications of these policies. “This could have easily been prevented,” she emphasized. The lack of accountability from Lopez-Infante, who has not stepped forward, also deeply troubles her. “You know what you did, and you don’t care at all?” she lamented.

Ongoing Support and Struggles

As her son navigates the long recovery process, which includes the use of a wheelchair for the next couple of months, Carach remains hopeful that he will not suffer any permanent damage. However, the road to recovery is daunting, both emotionally and physically.

Carach acknowledges feelings of helplessness as her family grapples with the impact of the situation. “Knowing that the person who did this is still out there is an ongoing nightmare for us,” she said, reflecting on the difficulty of visiting her son in the hospital while the suspect remains unidentified.

Political Backlash and Community Reactions

The incident has sparked considerable political debate, particularly regarding Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s policies. Critics point to his administration’s stance on illegal immigration that they believe places the safety of law-abiding citizens at risk. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee has voiced her concern, stating, “Mayors across the country have a choice: help get these people off our streets or jeopardize the safety of their residents.”

The discourse surrounding the incident emphasizes the need for re-evaluation of how authorities address illegal immigration, public safety, and accountability. Advocates for stricter enforcement argue that protecting communities must take precedence over other considerations.

A Call for Action

Sheena Carach has urged local government and law enforcement to take tangible action in response to this incident. She believes that a comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure that individuals like Lopez-Infante cannot evade responsibility for their actions. Her plea resonates with many who feel similarly affected by the policy and safety concerns surrounding illegal immigration.

As the community watches this case unfold, the hope remains that justice will be served for Zach Carach. Families in similar situations are looking for reassurance that their safety is prioritized in future policy decisions. The Carach family’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind legislative discussions and policy implementations.