Two Wisconsin teens would ‘still be alive’ if not for sanctuary policies protecting illegal immigrant

An undocumented immigrant from Honduras is facing deportation after being charged with driving while intoxicated and causing a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two teenagers in Dane County, Wisconsin.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a detainer against 30-year-old Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila in connection with the deaths of 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson and 19-year-old Brady Heiling.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed outrage over the tragic incident, stating that Martinez-Avila’s reckless actions resulted in the untimely deaths of the two young victims. She emphasized the importance of removing individuals like Martinez-Avila, who pose a threat to public safety, from the country.

Martinez-Avila is facing multiple charges, including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and driving with a revoked license. The fatal crash occurred when Martinez-Avila allegedly drove the wrong way on I-90 and collided with a vehicle carrying Helgeson and Heiling.

Helgeson succumbed to her injuries shortly after the accident, while Heiling was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tragically, Heiling later passed away from his injuries.

Reports indicate that Martinez-Avila had a previous conviction for drunk driving in 2020 and was required to have an ignition interlock device installed in her vehicle. However, at the time of the crash, the device was not in place.

Martinez-Avila’s bond has been set at $250,000 per case, and she will only be released if she complies with strict conditions, including abstaining from alcohol, refraining from driving, and avoiding contact with the victims’ families.

Despite the detainer issued by ICE for Martinez-Avila’s arrest and removal from the U.S., concerns have been raised about the enforcement of the detainer due to Dane County’s sanctuary jurisdiction policies.

The tragic loss of Hallie Helgeson and Brady Heiling serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families, and steps must be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.