The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has condemned the fatal drunk driving crash in Dane County, Wisconsin, which resulted in the deaths of two teenagers. The driver, 30-year-old Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, faces multiple charges, including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by the use of a vehicle, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causing injury, and other offenses.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the teens’ lives were cut short by Martinez-Avila’s actions, stating that they would still be alive today if not for her criminal behavior. She criticized Dane County’s sanctuary jurisdiction status, highlighting its history of not honoring ICE detainers, which could have prevented the tragedy. McLaughlin expressed a commitment to fighting for justice and ensuring the victims are not forgotten.
According to court records, Martinez-Avila was previously convicted of drunk driving in 2020 and was required to install an ignition interlock device in her vehicle. However, the device was not installed at the time of the crash, which occurred on July 20 when she allegedly drove the wrong way on I-90, causing a collision with a Volkswagen Tiguan containing the two teenagers.
Both teenagers died as a result of the crash, with one succumbing shortly after the collision and the other dying from his injuries in the hospital. The Wisconsin State Journal of Madison reported that the court had set bond at $250,000 per case, and any release would require pretrial services to outfit her with necessary equipment. Martinez-Avila would also be prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol, operating a vehicle, and having contact with the victims’ families.
DHS stated that ICE had lodged a detainer for Martinez-Avila’s arrest and removal from the U.S., noting that Dane County’s sanctuary policies have historically hindered the enforcement of such detainers. The incident has reignited debates over sanctuary jurisdictions and their impact on public safety, with some arguing that such policies protect criminals and put communities at risk.
Martinez-Avila’s case also draws parallels to other incidents involving illegal immigrants and drunk driving, such as the 2023 crash in Washington State that killed a state trooper and the 2022 incident where an illegal immigrant was linked to the death of a woman in a DUI crash. These cases underscore concerns about the legal consequences and public safety implications of such actions within the U.S.