Illinois illegal immigrant Edwin Pacheco Meza charged in fatal DUI crash of Coles County Board Michael Clayton
Two individuals, identified as illegal immigrants, have been charged in connection with a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of Michael Clayton, a Coles County Board Member, and his wife, Gail Clayton, in Westfield, Illinois.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Edwin Pacheco-Meza, 34, was allegedly driving under the influence when the crash occurred. Upon investigation, authorities found ammunition, drugs, an extended magazine, and an open container of alcohol inside Pacheco-Meza’s vehicle.
Additionally, Juan Morales-Martinez, an 18-year-old passenger in the car driven by Pacheco-Meza, was also arrested. Pacheco-Meza faces charges of reckless homicide and driving under the influence, while Morales-Martinez has been charged with drug possession and a weapons offense.
Despite an ICE detainer being lodged for both individuals at the Clark County Jail, officials did not cooperate with the request due to Illinois’ sanctuary policies.
Furthermore, Morales-Martinez, who entered the US illegally in December 2023 and was released under the Biden administration, was apprehended outside the Clark County Jail by federal agents. Pacheco-Meza’s entry date into the US remains unknown, as per DHS.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed that the tragic incident could have been prevented, stating, “Two innocents were killed because this criminal illegal alien chose to drive under the influence.” McLaughlin emphasized the commitment to enforcing the law and removing criminal illegal aliens from communities.
Efforts have been made to address the issue, with President Trump and Secretary Noem directing ICE and CBP to take action in Illinois. McLaughlin warned individuals in the country illegally that law enforcement will track them down, arrest them, and ensure they are removed from the US permanently if they break laws and harm Americans.
