U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, a Honduran national, in connection with a fatal car crash that killed two teenagers in Dane County, Wisconsin. The incident occurred on July 20 when Martinez-Avila allegedly drove the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated, resulting in the death of 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson at the scene. Nineteen-year-old Brady Heiling was also critically injured and died five days later.
Wisconsin law enforcement charged Martinez-Avila with two counts of felony vehicular homicide and impaired driving. ICE had lodged an arrest detainer for her removal from the country. According to DHS, ICE was given less than an hour's notice by local authorities before making the arrest due to Dane County’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction.
“Hallie Helgeson and Brady Heiling had their whole lives ahead of them—and they would still be alive today if it weren’t for Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila—a criminal illegal alien from Honduras. Martinez-Avila driving drunk and the wrong way on a highway killed these two teens,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Despite this sanctuary jurisdiction giving ICE less than an hour notice to make the arrest, ICE arrested Martinez-Avila and ensured this public safety threat is not released on U.S. streets. Under Secretary Noem, these precious teens will not be forgotten, and we will fight for justice.”
The Department of Homeland Security stated that its law enforcement officers continue efforts to protect communities from similar incidents nationwide. The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office is available to support victims of crimes committed by individuals in the country illegally.
