An illegal immigrant from El Salvador has been charged with driving drunk in the wrong direction on a highway in Maryland, causing the deaths of a mother and daughter. As of now, the U.S. federal immigration authorities have issued a detention order for him.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has requested Montgomery County authorities to detain Jose Antonio Caballero-Nolasco.
He is facing charges of two counts of manslaughter, two counts of DUI resulting in death, and one count of driving recklessly endangering others.
According to officials, on August 29th, Caballero-Nolasco was driving inebriated in the wrong direction on Interstate 270 and collided head-on with a car carrying four people. The two passengers who tragically lost their lives were 46-year-old Musammat Shamima Begum and her 23-year-old daughter Areebah Jahin. They were from northern Virginia and on their way home at the time of the incident.
Two other survivors—a 62-year-old man and an 8-year-old girl—were taken to a local hospital. Investigators believe alcohol impairment was the cause of the crash. Reports indicate that officers arriving at the scene noted Caballero-Nolasco smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and showed no signs of braking before the accident.
Montgomery County Prosecutor John McCarthy stated that Caballero-Nolasco “admitted to having consumed some beer, and empty beer bottles and full bottles of beer were found in the car.” He was initially taken to the hospital for treatment and later transferred to the Montgomery County detention center.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin pointed out: “This tragedy could have been entirely avoided. Musammat Shamima Begum and Areebah Jahin should still be alive. ICE has issued a detention order, requesting Maryland officials to commit to not releasing this suspect back onto the streets.” He extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured parties a speedy recovery.
(This article referenced FOX NEWS reporting)