An undocumented immigrant, who was found guilty of causing the deaths of two children, was set free from prison after completing his sentence by the state of Connecticut, which is known as a sanctuary state, instead of being handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. In November 2013, a 40-year-old undocumented immigrant named Israel Alejandro Gonzalez-Arcinega from Mexico caused a fatal car accident while driving under the influence in Meriden, Connecticut, resulting in the deaths of two siblings aged five and eight.
Despite ICE agents issuing a detainer for Gonzalez-Arcinega the same month, requesting custody of him instead of his release from police custody, he was convicted in April 2014 on multiple charges including vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence, and evading responsibility for a death or serious injury. Gonzalez-Arcinega received a prison sentence of 12 years and five years of probation.
In September 2014, ICE agents served Gonzalez-Arcinega with a Notice to Appear (NTA) before a federal immigration judge, and on May 14, 2015, a judge ordered his deportation from the United States. However, despite the deportation order and detainer, the Connecticut Department of Corrections released Gonzalez-Arcinega from prison on April 2 without informing ICE agents. Subsequently, on May 1, ICE agents arrested Gonzalez-Arcinega in Meriden, and he is currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation to Mexico.
“Israel Gonzalez was convicted of driving under the influence and killing two Connecticut children,” ICE official Todd Lyons said in a statement. “His actions shattered a family. We cannot allow unlawfully present convicted felons to victimize the residents of our communities.”