On February 16, in Savannah, Georgia, a fatal car crash occurred during an attempt by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to apprehend Oscar Vasquez Lopez, a Guatemalan national who had been ordered removed from the United States by a federal judge in 2024. According to ICE, Vasquez Lopez entered the country illegally at an unknown time and place.
During the operation, officers saw Vasquez Lopez get into a vehicle and tried to initiate a traffic stop. He initially stopped but then fled, making a U-turn and running a red light before colliding with another vehicle. The driver of that vehicle died at the scene. Vasquez Lopez sustained minor injuries and is currently in custody at the hospital. The Chatham County Police Department has charged him with vehicular homicide.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the incident: “This vehicular homicide is an absolute tragedy and deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arrest — a felony. These dangerous tactics are putting people’s lives at risk. Fleeing from and resisting federal law enforcement is not only a crime but extraordinarily dangerous and puts oneself, our officers and innocent civilians at risk. Now, an innocent bystander has lost their life."
ICE officials stated that recent actions by public figures have encouraged resistance to federal immigration enforcement. They referenced webinars hosted by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offering advice on how undocumented immigrants can avoid arrest; a video posted by Dan Goldman urging individuals to plan for possible encounters with ICE; resources distributed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advising on evasion strategies; and guidance from California Governor Gavin Newsom about recognizing ICE agents and defying arrest.
ICE reiterated its call for public figures to refrain from promoting resistance against law enforcement: "We are once again calling on sanctuary politicians, agitators, and the media to turn the temperature down and stop calling for violence and resistance against ICE law enforcement."
The agency maintains its commitment to removing individuals deemed dangerous from the country.
For more information about ICE’s enforcement actions or to report suspicious activity, members of the public can contact 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit tips online.
